JOSE NOT TO BLAME

FROM BACK PAGE players and manager it has been a tough start and Jose is getting a load of stick but the players have to stand up to be counted – they have to be better.”

The former England captain said he is reminded of the similar struggles United endured under Mourinho’s immediate predecessor.

He added: “I said the same thing when Louis van Gaal was there. He took a lot of stick but behind closed doors I told the players ‘we have to be doing better.’

“I think he set us up brilliantly but we didn’t produce on the pitch. So I am sure that is getting said behind the scenes now.”

Mourinho (above) claimed some of his young players froze in the first half against Newcastle on Saturday.

And Rooney hinted that he has sympathy with the United boss. “It’s a young team and quite a lot of those players maybe haven’t faced this before,” he said. “They haven’t got the senior players to help in those difficult moments.”

Mourinho is in more trouble with the FA, who have launched an investigation into his comments in front of TV cameras as he left the pitch following Saturday’s 3-2 win over Newcastle.

He is alleged to have sworn in Portuguese while making a gesture with his little finger. Rooney was banned for two matches in 2011 after swearing at TV cameras and missed the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.