Ruud van Nistelrooy Convinced Manchester United Star Wayne Rooney Can Handle Media Glare

Posted 10:51 / By admin in MANCHESTER UNITED CLUB, Ruud and Friends

Ruud van Nistelrooy has backed his ex-Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney to pull through the controversy surrounding him.

Rooney, 24, has struggled on the pitch in recent months after an ankle injury and accusations about his private life stole the spotlight. The England international has looked a shadow of the player who grabbed 34 goals in all competitions last term and was substituted after an hour in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Van Nistelrooy was convinced Rooney can "handle" the attention and come back stronger.

He said: "The players I played with at United were always focused. They still are.

"He can [handle it]. He's proved it."

The Hamburg hot shot continued: "I think that the most important thing for a footballer is that you focus on the game.

"That's obviously the main thing. In England there is the press that looks into other parts as well.

"That doesn't happen in other countries really. You get judged by your performance on the pitch and that's how it should be.

"I think that's the way it should be. You have to live with that if you play in England."