Taylor Defends Rooney Following Manchester United Saga

PFA boss claims Rooney is an 'easy target' for abuse

By Eliot Rothwell

Oct 27, 2010 10:19:00 AM

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has defended Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney following a week that saw Rooney declare his desire to leave Old Trafford, drawing widespread criticism of the former Everton player.

Speaking to radio station TalkSPORT, Taylor referenced the press release that admitted to fans that Rooney wanted to leave Manchester United, stating that he did not believe that Rooney put together the statement himself.

"He’s an easy target and in this credit crunch it's not been the best of times to have all this talk of wages out in public. It could have been handled better, as has been said by Man United," Taylor said.

"That press release was probably put together by other people but he [Rooney] knew what was in it. He feels he wants to be at a club that’s going places, but to take on Man United and Sir Alex in that matter is not what I would have recommended!"

Taylor also outlined the task that faces the former Everton striker if he is to regain his status as a hero of the Manchester United fans and the PFA chief admitted that the only way to do that was with good performances on the pitch, citing that these events could become a "catalyst" for Rooney.

"Now he’s got to win over the fans again and he can only do that on the pitch, not off it, and everyone is hoping he will do. It’s probably a catalyst in his life and career and now it has to be a lot more constructive and progressive," Taylor commented.

The PFA chief executive also indicated his belief that Rooney should follow the example set by other players and take an active role in the community and charity work.

"I’m so pleased so many of today’s players are setting up their own charities and putting more and more back, and I’m hoping that’s the sort of thing Wayne’s going to get involved in as well," he concluded.