Football: Roy Keane rips into Wayne Rooney

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney reacts after the Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven. photo / AP

Roy Keane has launched a stinging attack at Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney - claiming he 'looks awful', is not leading by example, while also criticising the striker for appearing at a wrestling event earlier this month.

The United skipper wasn't at his best as Louis van Gaal's side limped to a 0-0 draw against PSV on Thursday morning (NZT), to put their hopes of advancing in the Champions League in jeopardy.

And former club captain Keane, fulfilling his duties as an ITV pundit after the game, picked out Rooney as having disappointed at Old Trafford as well as questioning his movements off the pitch.

"It seemed a strange atmosphere at Old Trafford tonight, they lacked cutting edge," the Republic of Ireland assistant manager said.

"You got the impression the players were waiting for something to happen, rather than going and making it happen. Wayne [Rooney] was on about lack of composure and quality, but I think he was as guilty as anybody. He needs to step up to the plate.

"You look at Wayne's legacy at Old Trafford, it's absolutely fantastic, his goals record is brilliant. But now he's the captain there's more responsibility and I think he's got to do a lot more.

"I always question certain players what are they doing off the field. Last week I saw him slapping a wrestler and I'm thinking 'Why is he getting involved in all that nonsense?' There's no benefit to him. I'd have a look at that side of it.

"It's certainly not helping him. I wouldn't begrudge him going out and enjoying himself, but if you're not at it yourself you've got to have a look and lead by example. He didn't do that tonight. He doesn't look sharp, he looks awful.

"Mentally he doesn't look really sharp, physically he doesn't look in great shape. He needs to have a look at himself."

- Daily Mail