‘Very poor’: Rooney laments United man’s ‘sloppy’ decision-making that proved costly

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 07: Harvey Elliott of Liverpool is fouled inside the box by Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United which leads to a penalty awarded to Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on April 07, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney shared his post-match verdict on Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool while on punditry with Premier League productions

Rooney’s longstanding contempt for the Anfield outfit is fueled by being both a former United star and an Evertonian, so his wishes for the outcome of the game would’ve been the same as the sets of fanbases in M16 as well as the blue part of Merseyside.

Alas, United were forced to settle for just a point when the full-time whistle blew, but they can take some solace in knowing that the result could have significant ramifications on Liverpool’s title hopes, given that it saw the club drop from first to second place in the table.

Debates have flooded social media since the match over whether Mohamed Salah’s late, converted penalty should’ve even been awarded in the first place. Aaron Wan-Bisaka was adjudged to have fouled Harvey Elliott in the 82nd minute after sliding in to tackle the attacker.

However, upon closer inspection, fans were quick to point out that Wan-Bissaka doesn’t actually make contact with his opponent. Elliott instead seems to step on – and subsequently fall over – the defender’s trailing leg. 

Alas, the decision, which was also cleared by VAR, led to the spoils being shared at Old Trafford.

Rooney reacts to spot-kick call

Reacting to the late drama, Rooney said: “When you go back a bit, Bruno Fernandes is too easy to get past when Joe Gomez is taking his run down the line. Bruno dives in and lets him get past, which is why Aaron Wan-Bissaka then has to come out.

“If he stays on his feet, you don’t get to this situation. But it’s very poor from Wan-Bissaka. It’s sloppy. When you go to ground like that, you run the risk of giving a penalty away.”

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