Man United legend: Wayne Rooney can still score 25 goals a season

Wayne Rooney endured a frustrating night in United's Champions League victory over Wolfsburg

PAUL SCHOLES insists Wayne Rooney can still score "20-25 goals" a season despite a disappointing performance in last night's Champions League victory.

 

The England forward endured a frustrating night as Louis van Gaal's side defeated Wolfsburg 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Goals from Chris Smalling and Juan Mata sealed a first win of their European campaign despite going a goal down to the German outfit.

 

Former United midfielder Scholes admitted Rooney wasn't at his best but was still capable of turning things around this season.

"He didn't have his best night, did he?" said Scholes. "We all saw that but we know what Wayne is capable of. If he plays a full season then he will score 20 to 25 goals. 

 

"Like I said, it probably wasn't his best night but he is the type of player who had a bad night but could go score two or three goals on Sunday [against Arsenal]."

The striker ended his goal drought on 999 minutes last weekend as he scored United's second in their 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

Rooney took a battering from football fans on social media after missing a sitter from 10 yards out in last night's match and former Liverpool ace Michael Owen admitted Rooney should have performed better.

 

Louis van Gaal's starting XI against Wolfsburg

"I didn't think he was at his best," said Owen. "He was unforgivably losing the ball. It was strange but he wasn't on song. But as Scholesy said, he is a confidence player. Once he's on, he's on and once he's off, he can go missing a little bit.

"Normally Rooney is the penalty taker so he scores the equalising goal and nobody mentions his performance. Because he's not on penalties now, it's a lot harder as a centre forward. He will do well to score 20-odd if he is not on penalties."