New Delhi: Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney has stated that manager Louis van Gaal has taken most of the stick as the players in the club has got off quite lightly for the disastrous campaign so far.
"At times this season we haven't performed. In terms of that, we've probably got off quite lightly and the manager has taken a lot of it,” said Rooney.
United have failed miserably this season under Louis van Gaal, who has seen his side get knocked out of the Champions League and six points behind Manchester City at fourth in the Premier League. United was also ousted of the League Cup earlier.
The Dutchman has been under severe pressure, with United fans being grunted with the way the side has performed. There have also been talks of Jose Mourinho replacing Gaal as the latter's performances is being closely monitored.
But there is some hope as United face Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday before a trip to third-tier Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup fifth round.
Last weekend's EPL encounter saw United suffer a 2-1 defeat by Sunderland
The club last won a trophy under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012-13, and Rooney said United's players must accept some of the responsibility for another disappointing season.
"It's a very good group of players. At times it's been frustrating for us as we've under-performed,” stated the England skipper.
The experienced forward also went on to add that it is down to the players and that the side has to create a lot of chances to win matches.
“It's down to us, we're players and we have to perform. But we're going on the pitch. We have to create chances and win games and we haven't done that enough this season."
(With agency inputs)
