Rooney: Feeling fresh

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Wayne Rooney believes that managers should not be criticised for implementing squad rotation policies.

The Manchester United striker feels that players benefit from occasional enforced breaks and are left in better condition heading into the final weeks of the season.

He admits that it is a system which is used by Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and points to United's continued assault on three fronts this season as proof that it can be successful if employed correctly.

Fresher

"Last season we had a lot of injuries and we had a few players who played a lot of games and they were tired," Rooney told Uefa's official website.

"Now we have a big squad so hopefully the rotation policy will help us. I think we are a lot fresher.

"A lot of players have not played so many games this season. We brought players in, the squad is bigger and we have not really got any serious injuries at the moment."

Target

The England international's remarks are likely to strike a chord with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who has been promoting the benefits of squad rotation for years.

The Spaniard has received widespread criticism for his reluctance to field a settled side over the years and has seen his tinkering constantly used as an excuse to explain the Reds' continued underachievement in the Premier League.

However, he has always insisted that every other top club follows a similar routine and believes that he has become the target for those wishing to undermine his Anfield regime.

"When I change people it is rotation, when other managers do it they call it resting people," was Benitez's take on the situation.