Benching justified, says Man United's captain Rooney

English football giants Manchester United's captain Wayne Rooney has no complaints over losing his first team spot and is eager to take his chance when he gets it.

Although he started in the English Football League Cup, Rooney was dropped in the wake of United's 1-3 loss against Watford in the English Premier League last month.

The England international understood manager Jose Mourinho's decision after his poor display against Watford.

"Listen, I had a bad game at Watford. I played bad, I know that and I understand that," Rooney was quoted as saying by The Independent on Tuesday.

"I think if he was picking the next team on the back of that, I understand not playing. The team have done well."

"I understand I have to work hard and try and get back and try and get my chance and take it," he added.

Mourinho had suggested Rooney returned from his commitments for England a different player, with United losing three straight matches.

With the 30-year-old benched, Mourinho's men have claimed two consecutive wins, while being held by Stoke City.

"The team came back different, but I'll take a lot of that," Rooney said.

"Of course, I've done that throughout my career, but we have to work as a team in terms of trying to win and, if I'm on the bench, so be it."

"I'll fight. I won't not fight for my place, I'll fight to try and get back in."

--IANS

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