- Premier League
Rooney's tackle on Downing was stupid, says Neville
Gary Neville branded Wayne Rooney's tackle on Stewart Downing "stupid" after the Manchester United captain was sent off against West Ham last Saturday.
Neville played alongside the United and England captain for many years at Old Trafford but he suggested the striker let his team-mates down with his rash challenge during the 2-1 victory.
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"Rooney can have no arguments whatsoever," Neville said on Sky Sports. "You do want to break play up but the mistake Rooney makes is the height of the contact.
"It's stupid, it's instinctive. United can't afford to lose any more players and he's going to be missing for a month now with a big game against Chelsea coming up."
Rooney offered a partial apology for the challenge, while United manager Louis van Gaal admitted he "could imagine" why the forward did what he did.
Rooney confirmed he has no intention of appealing the three match suspension that will rule him out for United's Premier League fixtures in October, including the clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 26.
