Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic admits he cannot understand why teammate Wayne Rooney is so unappreciated in the game.
Rooney broke United’s all-time scoring record in brilliant fashion on Saturday afternoon, after bending an exceptional free kick at the BET365 Stadium to secure a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Stoke City.
Rooney was widely praised after notching his 250th United goal to move clear of Sir Bobby Charlton, but there are still many supporters who feel the forward should be nowhere near the team.
The former Everton star has struggled to really showcase his ability in recent seasons, but Ibrahimovic cannot understand how there is still criticism of Rooney despite his achievements.
“He’s a complete player,” Ibrahimovic said, as reported by ESPN FC. “Off the field he’s a real leader and on the field he’s just complete. He helps his teammates well and has that big quality, he knows how to score goals, knows how to assist.
“But he works very hard, he’s got a good attitude and spirit. Everybody knows what Wayne is. But this country has to appreciate him.
“I don’t see any other strikers like him today. Give me some names. Tell me. And still you’re not happy.”
Rooney has scored just two league goals in 16 games this season, but in fairness to the forward eight of those appearances have come off the bench.
Rooney is in line to start Manchester United’s next game, which comes in the EFL Cup against Hull City on Thursday.
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