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Wayne Rooney admits 'panicky' Manchester United lack composure

Wayne Rooney feels Manchester United lacked composure against PSV Eindhoven
Image: Wayne Rooney feels Manchester United lacked composure against PSV Eindhoven

Wayne Rooney admits "panicky" Manchester United got what they deserved in their disappointing scoreless draw against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

The result leaves United looking for a win away against Wolfsburg in their final group game to guarantee qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

If United lose at the Volkswagen Arena, the only way they will progress is if PSV are defeated at home by CSKA Moscow. United will also go out if they draw and PSV win.

Manchester United's Jesse Lingard (left) and Wayne Rooney (right) rue a missed chance on goal
Image: Jesse Lingard (left) and Rooney (right) rue a missed chance on goal

The 0-0 draw against PSV was United's fourth in seven games but despite their struggles in front of goal, club captain Rooney believes his team can go to Germany and win against the Group B leaders.

"It is a disappointing result overall and leaves us with a tough game in Germany now, but we believe we can go there and win," Rooney said.

"When it comes down to the last game you can't pick and choose and say we want to finish first or second, it's all or nothing. We have to win and that is the aim and that is what we need to do."

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However, many fans have consistently grumbled about a perceived lack of adventure from United under Louis Van Gaal and familiar cries of "Attack! Attack! Attack!" could be heard once again at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Rooney admitted United lacked composure in front of goal, particularly in the second half when the team managed just one shot on target.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial with an effort on goal during the UEFA Champions League game at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Image: Anthony Martial shoots unsuccessfully against PSV

"The result was probably a fair one," Rooney said. "In the first half we were the better team and created a few decent chances, and maybe were unlucky not to come in at the break one up.

"And in the second half we didn't show enough composure on the ball, they changed their system and made it difficult for us and we failed to adapt to that.

"In the first half we opened them up. In the second half it was a lack of composure more than quality. There were occasions we could have put our foot on the ball and controlled it a bit more but we were a bit panicky at times which allowed them to get back into the game."

Ashley Young walks off after the Champions League match between Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven
Image: Ashley Young walks off after the goalless draw against PSV

Ashley Young was introduced as a substitute for Memphis Depay but was unable to help his team break the deadlock and he says United must now quickly pick themselves up for Saturday's game against the Foxes.

"We are really disappointed," Young told MUTV. "With the amount of chances that we created, we should have probably won the game, especially in the second half when it came open.

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"It is going to be difficult [to win in Germany] and we should have won the game [on Wednesday].

"We just have to pick ourselves up and go again this weekend.

"Leicester are doing well, it's a top of the table clash so we will be looking to keep the good form we have shown over the last few weeks."

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