Wayne Rooney form has disproved the doubters, says Manchester United manager David Moyes

The former Everton boss also insists Roy Hodgson is '100%' not a racist

David Moyes, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney train together (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United David Moyes said today that he knew “100 per cent” that his England counterpart Roy Hodgson was not a racist and that it was a indictment of those who have denigrated him that his achievement of reaching the World Cup finals has been overshadowed.

Moyes said he would be "really disappointed" if a member of his dressing room had disclosed details of a half-time talk, in the way that Hodgson's joke which included the term 'monkey' in a discussion of Andros Townsend's role had been yesterday. "It should never overshadow what England have done in getting [to Brazil]," Moyes said. "One thing is for sure: Roy isn't a racist: 100 per cent I know that." Moyes said he had received no complaints from his England contingent about Hodgson. "The only thing I'm disappointed by is that Roy should be patted on the back [instead of getting this reaction,]" the manager said.

His side face Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday and he said that the home defeat to West Bromwich Albion three weeks ago had proved that the Premier League can "show you up."

Moyes declared that Wayne Rooney's continued impressive form had disproved doubters whose question marks about the striker had been a source of frustration to him, ever since his arrival as new manager. "I saw [Rooney] like this for the first time in pre-season but I had to keep fighting you people who were telling me that it was different," he said. "You people wanted to write and say different things. I found it difficult to say and prove differently. He is at an age in his career where he is one of the main players [here]. He takes the responsibility and scores goals when it's required. He has the maturity now, which shows in the way he plays and in the condition he is in."

Moyes said that the new United prodigy Adnan Januzaj would not, at the age of 18, play every week. "I don't think anybody plays week-in, week-out at Manchester United because we have enough players in the squad. But is he good enough? Yes."