Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 8y

Wayne Rooney apology for 'accidental' Oscar foul in Man United-Chelsea draw

Wayne Rooney has revealed he apologised to Oscar for the challenge on the Chelsea midfielder that led to suggestions the Manchester United captain should have been sent off.

Rooney, 30, was cautioned by referee Martin Atkinson for his injury-time tackle on the Brazil international in Monday's 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

But Howard Webb, who refereed the 2010 World Cup final, said on BT Sport: "It is clear when you see it in slow motion that Wayne Rooney should have been given a red card."

Rooney felt a booking was right for the offence when he planted his studs into Oscar's shin, but insisted there was no malice and was quick to say sorry to the Chelsea player.

"It was accidental," he told BT Sport. "I knew straight away 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."

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink said in his news conference after the game that Oscar has avoided serious injury.

"He got some whacks," said the Dutch coach. "I think he will be okay."

United ended a four-game losing run with their seventh stalemate of the season to ease the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal, who was tipped for the sack in the event of defeat.

And Rooney is adamant the United players are still determined to perform for Van Gaal, saying: "Yes, of course. A lot of people say a lot of different things.

"We'd be letting ourselves down if we didn't go onto the pitch and play football and give our all.

"You see the fans, they follow us everywhere and we wouldn't be professional players if we didn't do that.

"We have to fight in a tough time. Everyone knows that. We'll keep fighting and we will come back. We have to keep working and I'm sure the victories will come."

United hit the woodwork twice and had two penalty appeals rejected but failed to find the breakthrough against Chelsea.

"It's the way it is going for us at the minute," Rooney added. "We created a lot of chances and we didn't manage to take one.

"We played some great stuff and the crowd were excellent. You could see how much it meant to the players.

"We're going through a tough time, but we've all stuck together, we put up a great fight and should have won. We know it's a disappointing result because we dominated the game, but that's football."

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