• Premier League

Rooney's partial apology for red

Wayne Rooney has said sorry to his Manchester United's team-mates - but not Stewart Downing - after getting sent off for a wild kick on the West Ham winger at Old Trafford.

The United captain admitted deliberately fouling Downing in the 59th minute on Saturday but insisted he simply over-extended his leg. United were 2-1 up at the time, with Rooney scoring the opener after less than five minutes, and the hosts managed to hold on.

Wayne Rooney was sent off by Lee Mason for a wild kick on Stewart Downing © Getty Images

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However, Rooney said he was most upset about missing United's next three games against former club Everton, West Brom and Chelsea, rather than any damage he inflicted on Downing.

"Yeah, of course I did [apologise to his team-mates]," Rooney said.

When asked whether he felt the need to apologise to Downing, though, Rooney said: "No. I haven't absolutely volleyed the lad.

"I have tried to trip him up and, to be fair to him, he got further away from me and that is why my leg is straighter than it should have been.

"As he pushed the ball away, my leg has straightened out and that is obviously why the referee has deemed it as a red card."

Rooney has no plans to appeal his ban but defended his actions, saying he misjudged his attempt to foul Downing. He added: "I understand it [the punishment]. I knew at the time that I misjudged it.

"It is a red card and I doubt it will benefit anyone to appeal against the decision. It was probably the right decision. I saw the West Ham player making a counterattack and I tried to break-up the play, but I just misjudged it.

"I think everyone knew [I was in the wrong], so I am just grateful that the lads were able to hold on."

Rooney had a reputation as something of a hot head in the early years of his career, but this was the first time he had been sent off for United in over five years.

The 28-year-old, whose dismissal came the day before the 10th anniversary of his United debut, is aware questions about his temperament will be raised again following the sixth red card of his career.

"I expect people to say that, but at the end of the day, I was trying to break up the play," he said. "It was a dangerous situation in that they were trying to break on us and I have just misjudged it, simple as that, but I have no complaints."

Rooney started off the match in fine fashion, placing a neat finish past Adrian from Rafael's cross to put United ahead after less than five minutes.

Robin van Persie then doubled United's lead before Sakho headed in a goal for West Ham to put the home fans on edge.

Rooney will play for England in next month's Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia, but he will not turn out for United until the first weekend of November, when United play bitter rivals Manchester City.

Rooney is not looking forward to watching United from the stands.

"That's the most disappointing thing," said the striker, who has scored three times for the club this season. "Obviously we got away with it today by getting the win, but I am really gutted that I am going to be missing the next three games. It is hard to take.

"It helps that the England games are coming up, but the training here is really good," he added. "It is tough and it is getting my fitness up there, so I just have to make sure I train well and be ready for when I come back."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd