• Champions League

Rooney: Penalty miss won't affect Van Persie

ESPN staff
November 6, 2013
Moyes bemoans 'wasted opportunity'

Wayne Rooney is backing Robin van Persie to recover from the disappointment of missing a penalty in Manchester United's goalless draw with Real Sociedad in the Champions League.

Van Persie came off the bench in San Sebastian and had the chance to win the game for United but his second-half spot kick struck the post.

The Dutchman had replaced Rooney as United's first-choice penalty taker last season after the Englishman struggled to find the net from 12 yards.

Rooney told PA Sport: "Of course [everyone misses from time to time]. Most forwards in the world miss penalties and that won't affect him, I'm sure."

The stalemate means United remain unbeaten in Europe this season and top Group A with eight points from four games, but they are yet to guarantee their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Rooney added: "We're disappointed we didn't get the three points as we had the best chances. Overall, though, we can see the positives. We got a clean sheet and we're still top of the group.

"I think coming away from home in the Champions League is always difficult. But we created the better chances and I feel we should have won the game. A draw wasn't the worst result for us, though, particularly given the other game finished 0-0 as well. But we're disappointed we didn't get the three points."

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