Monday 24 August 2015 10:57, UK
Chris Smalling believes Wayne Rooney's confidence remains high despite his recent goal drought for Manchester United.
Rooney stretched his goalless scoring streak to 10 United matches on Saturday as Louis van Gaal's men drew 0-0 at home to Newcastle.
The United captain has not scored since April 4 although he was perhaps unlucky to have one chalked off for a very tight offside call against the Magpies.
Smalling believes Rooney and his team-mates did not have the rub of the green against Newcastle and is sure the captain is not suffering from a crisis of confidence.
"No, I think if you see in his play, he is running in behind and he is giving himself opportunities," Smalling said when asked if Rooney's confidence had dipped.
"I think we probably had double figures in terms of chances, not just to Wayne but for the whole team.
"It's just a case of one of those falling in, but the majority of the team is getting those opportunities so if we keep creating those chances, they will come eventually."
Rooney tested Tim Krul from 25 yards shortly after his disallowed goal, but did little else to suggest he was going to break his duck for the season.
Despite his troubles in the box, Rooney is having a big influence in other areas - most notably in helping Memphis Depay find his feet at Old Trafford following his £25m move from PSV Eindhoven.
"Wayne Rooney helps me a lot," the Dutch forward said.
"He has a lot of experience. He already knows everything about the football world so if I have any questions I can ask him."
Rooney was not the only one to miss chances against Newcastle.
Juan Mata ballooned a volley into the Stretford End in the second half and Smalling's header struck a post in the dying minutes.
Depay also rounded Krul when put through but failed to score.
The Dutchman, who scored his first two goals for the club against Club Brugge on Tuesday, admits he and his team-mates have to be more ruthless.
"It was a frustrating afternoon," he added. "We started great and sharp and we created some chances but didn't finish them. The second half also we created some more chances but again we didn't finish it so that was the frustration.
"When you look back you have to say it was one of those days but we have to start finishing. I could have finished a couple of chances but I didn't and I have to work on that."
