Man United 4 Aston Villa 1: Players not affected by protest, insists Rooney
Man United 4 Aston Villa 1: Wayne Rooney insists that the players were not affected by the fly-by protest at Old Trafford
Wayne Rooney insisted that Manchester United’s players paid no attention to the fly-by protest by fans calling for David Moyes to be sacked after helping his side to victory over Aston Villa.
A plane carrying an anti-Moyes banner was booed by some home supporters as it flew over Old Trafford in the second minute of the match.
Ashley Westwood’s free-kick put Villa ahead in the 13th minute but Rooney quickly headed United level and scored a penalty to make it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time.
It doesn’t matter what’s written in the newspapers, or what certain people are saying
Wayne Rooney
Juan Mata then slotted home a third in the 57th minute with his first goal for the club, before Javier Hernandez made it 4-1 in stoppage time.
“Today was a big game for us after midweek,” Rooney told BT Sport. “We had to respond and show what a good team we are. It was difficult going behind but we came through it, played some good stuff and deserved it. It’s a good victory.
“To be honest we didn’t make anything of it [the protest]. We know the support that the manager’s got from the players, the support he’s been getting from the fans in the last few games. That’s what matters.
“It doesn’t matter what’s written in the newspapers, or what certain people are saying.
“The support we’re getting off the fans has been incredible. We just have to stay focused and keep trying to win, and you never know.”
Meanwhile, Mata was full of praise for man-of-the-match Rooney after the England international netted his 14th and 15th goals of the season.
“As always, he’s a very important player for us,” said Mata. 2If he keeps scoring two goals every game we will go up in the table. I’m really happy for him.
“I really enjoyed it today. We came back well before half time and my first goal arrived.”
