Former England coach Steve McClaren says Wayne Rooney’s disciplinary problems should be ignored
Former England national team manager Steve McClaren believes if Wayne Rooney’s disciplinary problems are forcefully treated, the striker’s performances will be adversely affected.
The Manchester United hitman will have to serve a two-match ban thanks to his foul-mouthed celebration following his hat-trick against West Ham United over the weekend. It means that Rooney will miss the vital Premier League encounter against Fulham on Saturday,
as well as the eagerly anticipated FA Cup clash with bitter rivals Manchester City.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson had to make some difficult decisions regarding team selection- a problem that could have been avoided had Rooney just kept his temper in check.
Rooney has been repeatedly urged to overcome his disciplinary problems, but the former England national team coach Steve McClaren believes that the striker is perfect just the way he is.
McClaren said, “Every player has his upsides and his downsides. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736 is no exception. No one is more of a disciplinarian than Ferguson. Occasionally you are going to get things where he (Rooney) steps over the mark.”
He added that Rooney is highly competitive, aggressive and a match winner- something that could not be taken away from him.
McClaren gave the example of United legend Roy Keane. The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 boss revealed that he urged Keane to control his anger, only for the player to show a huge dip in form.
McClaren said, “I remember once trying to do that with Roy Keane. I said 'Look, you are missing five or six games through suspension every season, calm down a little' He did for six months and it was hopeless. [We said] 'Get back to normal, we'll miss you
for five or six games.”
He added that it was the similar story with Wayne Rooney and he needs to be accepted the way he is.
The England international is back on the goal trail after a disappointing 2010. He recently scored a hat-trick against West Ham and followed it up by a vital goal against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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