Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that the criticism Wayne Rooney received following this month's match between England and Slovakia affected the player.
England were unconvincing as they scraped a late 1-0 victory in Sam Allardyce's first match in charge, with captain Rooney among the players to get the bulk of the blame.
Rooney has since faced questions over his form for United too, and Mourinho believes that the criticism aimed at the 30-year-old has been "too strong".
"Honestly, I think there was a Wayne before the Slovakia-England and a Wayne after the Slovakia-England. And I am not blaming Sam, not at all," he told reporters.
"I am blaming the people that after the England-Slovakia was, in my opinion, too strong with somebody that is a very important player in the history of English football, is the captain of England, is the record of goals, is almost the record of matches.
"I think it was too much but I still think, that a big boy like he is, he has to face it in a strong way. That's what he tries every time. When he is on the pitch, he gives 100%. Always, always."
Mourinho has also defended Rooney's form for United, insisting that their recent slump in results is down to the team and not just one player.
