Rooney insists Van Gaal not to blame for Man U's poor season

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has backed his embattled manager Louis Van Gaal, saying that his side's players are responsible for their poor form this season and not the Dutchman.

Offering his support to Van Gaal, the 30-year-old forward insisted that the players should take their share of responsibility for United's struggles and results, Sport24 reported.

Van Gaal's job came under scrutiny in the wake of winning only four of their last 14 games in the Premier League and also falling out of the Champions League.

Describing the criticism against his manager as 'unfair', Rooney said that his side had been trying hard to win the matches, but were unfortunately failing in their efforts.

Rooney, who is just six goals short of Bobby Charlton's record of 249, admitted that he hopes to surpass the record before the end of the season.

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United are currently standing at the fifth spot and are 10 points behind surprise leader Leicester City in league table. They will now lock horns with Stoke City at old Trafford on Tuesday.