Share

Rooney passes penalty duty

London - Wayne Rooney admits he told Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson he wanted to stop taking penalties because he was fed up with missing from the spot.

Rooney smashed his last spot-kick well over the crossbar in an FA Cup tie against West Ham in January.

That was the second time this season he had failed from the spot and it proved the last straw for the England star.

When United got another penalty against Fulham last weekend, it was Ryan Giggs who stepped up to take it and the Welsh veteran showed Rooney how to do it as he scored to put his side ahead.

But Rooney has revealed Robin van Persie, who did not start against Fulham, is now United's number one taker after he decided to quit the role.

"To be honest it was my choice. It wasn't good enough," Rooney told MUTV.

"I went in to speak with the manager and said I'd spoken with Robin and told him he could take them.

"At a club like this, to miss two penalties like I did and not hit the target wasn't good enough."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE