Moyes points out Rooney's mistakes

Last updated : 16 December 2002 By Austin Rathe
David Moyes, in a slightly obvious attempt to reduce the media hype surronding young Wayne Rooney, has been keen to point out the youngster's failing's in Saturday's game against Blackburn.

Moyes said: "I thought he gave the ball away several times in the middle of the park. That's where we need him to develop his game, to be linking up better and to be more team orientated at times. His performance all round for the team, not just for himself, was much better.

"He did track back to tackle, but then he knows we wouldn't have him any other way. We don't care who they are here, if you give the ball away you better show you're going to try and win it back otherwise you will be sitting beside me.

"He was also involved in both the goals, obviously scoring one of them, and for a young player he is doing excellent and going in the right direction with his play. He's got all the attributes, but more importantly he has footballing intelligence, which is good to see in someone so young.

''But it's not the Wayne Rooney show, although we are aware of how important he is to us and how good his performance was as well."