No cop-out from Rooney

Wayne Rooney’s return to form could prove very timely for the Reds as the title run-in gathers pace.

The 21-year-old has emerged from a barren spell of just one goal in 13 matches to score four goals in the last three games for United.

Former United star Lou Macari says the Reds striker is showing all the signs of player on top form.

“He’s playing with confidence now,” Macari told MUTV. “I think his confidence had deserted him a little bit. Not just in goalscoring terms, but his touch as well. His touch and passing ability is superb, but it had deserted him.”

However, ex-United defender Gary Pallister praised Rooney for battling through what was generally perceived as a lull in his performances.

“Nobody could question his work-rate during that spell,” said Pallister. “What impressed me most was that he didn’t hide or shirk responsibility. He still battled away and wanted to get on the ball."

In the 4-0 win over Watford, Rooney was influential in almost every United attack scoring one and making another for Henrik Larsson.

Pallister added: “At the moment Wayne is scoring goals and it has given a real boost, which you can see in his performances.”