Wayne Rooney’s frustration grows with blank Manchester United

Manchester United have now been involved in three successive goalless draws, the latest coming against Crystal Palace

Wayne Rooney (GETTY IMAGES)

The last time Manchester United recorded three successive goalless draws, in January 2005, the famine was ended by a certain Wayne Rooney. How Louis van Gaal, Rooney himself and the whole club could do with a similar outcome when CSKA Moscow visit Old Trafford tomorrow.

The previous Champions League tie, a fortnight ago in Russia, brought the team’s most recent goal, since when their supporters have endured scoreless draws against neighbours City, Middlesbrough – over two hours and eventual defeat after penalties in the Capital One Cup – and now Crystal Palace.

In the derby United went through the first half without managing a single shot and on Saturday they had one on target all match, a free-kick by Rooney, who did not touch the ball in the opposing penalty area at any stage.

Frustration seems to be weighing heavily on him as he drops ever deeper in search of the ball. Briefly, Rooney swapped positions with Anthony Martial, who started out on the left, and that may prove a profitable option for longer spells. The French teenager was one of the brighter sparks in a red shirt, although Match of the Day’s editing flattered United by showing almost every attack they had.

“We have the players to score goals and we will score goals,” midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin told MUTV. “It’s not a worry for me. We will keep clean sheets, that’s not a problem, and we will win games, but we need to make sure it comes quickly.”

Alan Pardew was sympathetic in suggesting: “In defence of Wayne, I didn’t really think he got a lot of good possession.”

The manager of Crystal Palace had done his homework well, although he was honest enough to admit to concern that none of his own strikers has scored a league goal all season after Glenn Murray was allowed to move to Bournemouth. “Glenn was an influential player for us.” he said. “We have missed him. I won’t hide from that.”