Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Michael Owen accuses Wayne Rooney of losing his 'nasty' streak

Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial both scored from the spot for United

Rooney twice gave up penalty responsibilities (Getty Images)

Michael Owen has criticised former teammate Wayne Rooney for allowing Paul Pogba to take Manchester United’s opening penalty and accused him of losing his ‘nasty’ streak.

United thrashed Europa League opponents Fenerbahce 4-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night thanks to a Pogba double and goals from Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.

Former Red Devil Robin van Persie didn’t forget how to score on his old ground, netting a consolatory goal towards the end of the game.

Rooney, however, failed to get onto the scoresheet, despite being United’s usual penalty taker and Pogba and Martial both scoring from the spot during the game.

The decision seemed odd considering Rooney is only six goals away from surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton’s United goalscoring record but Pogba revealed the England captain was happy to let him take it.

The 30-year-old appeared ready to take the penalty before handing it over to Pogba and the decision riled Owen.

“It grates with me a bit I must say,” he told BT Sport.

Pogba scores the first of Man United's penalties (Getty Images)

“Twelve years ago this lad played against Fenerbahce. His first game ever for Manchester United [and] he ripped the ball off Ryan Giggs. He was telling senior players round here and he goes and scores a hat-trick.”

“I agree with the captain side but if it's going to be like that then I think the captain shouldn't be a centre forward because he is a goalscorer. He has to be the goalscorer. He's one behind Sir Bobby Charlton in the all-time United scoring charts.

“I just remember when he was younger he was nasty and he wanted to score he was desperate. If he gets a penalty he should be all over it and I can't believe he's handed it over.”