Rooney affected by disciplinary row

Rooney affected by disciplinary row

Published Jan. 12, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

Wayne Rooney has admitted he complained about his recent fine and feels the disciplinary issue affected his performance for Manchester United.

The Red Devils striker was punished due to a lacklustre showing in training following a night out after the club's Boxing Day victory over Wigan.

Rooney missed United's next match against Blackburn on New Year's Eve and produced a subdued display on his return in last week's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.

However, the England international returned to his best with a brace in the FA Cup win at local rivals Manchester City after acknowledging he was 'tense' after being punished by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

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When asked if he had grumbled about the fine, Rooney told La Repubblica: "Yes, but for reasons that I can't say. I accepted it. But I was tense when I got back on the pitch and I think it showed."

Rooney added: "You can't always agree. Football is made up of all kinds of conflict.

"In a dressing room, between players, between us and the manager, between us and loads of people who don't seem to matter. It's constant and harsh sometimes."
 

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