Wayne Rooney Apologises to Oscar After Manchester United vs. Chelsea Match

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has apologised for his nasty tackle on Chelsea midfielder Oscar, a challenge which former referee Graham Poll thinks the striker should have been sent off for.

Rooney left his foot in on the Brazilian in the latter stages of the match, which finished 0-0 after 90 arduous minutes, picking up a caution in the process. It was a tackle that seemed very reckless in real time, but the forward revealed after the contest it was accidental and apologised to the Blues playmaker, per Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail:

"

It was accidental. I knew straightaway I caught him and could have caused him a bit of damage, so I apologise.

I apologised on the pitch, nothing was meant and I think the referee saw there was no intention of hurting him. He's given me a yellow card which I probably deserve.

"

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However, in his column for the Daily Mail, Poll blasted referee Martin Atkinson for not producing the red card, stating his performance was laced with “weakness, acceptance of dissent and trying not to upset anyone.”

“Atkinson saw it but decided to show a yellow card when red was required,” wrote Poll. “No wonder the Leeds-based referee has not awarded a penalty or red card in the Premier League all season.”

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The tackle certainly angered the Chelsea players and Oscar was in noticeable pain afterwards. As noted by Henry Winter of the Times, it was a challenge which marred an improved display from the Red Devils skipper:

It’s been a difficult campaign for Rooney, who has been criticised by many of his own supporters after some poor performances. Usually a player who has a massive influence in general play, he’s been inhibited at times this season, with his passing, touch and dynamism all seeming to seep away.

In front of goal he’s really struggled, too, with just two goals in the Premier League this season. Opta’s Michiel Jongsma put those numbers into perspective:

Although the tackle was worthy of a red card, it was encouraging to see Rooney playing with some fire in his belly again. United have been on the end of a lot of criticism recently, and, as the captain, there’s no denying he needs to set a better example for his team-mates. Perhaps this display will expedite a return to his best form.

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It’s certainly going to be intriguing tracking Rooney’s progress in 2016. He’s got a lot of miles on the clock having burst onto the scene at such a young age, and there have been some signs of wear and tear this year. With United needing to push up the table, and the European Championships creeping closer into view, there will be plenty hoping the striker can rediscover his spark soon.