Wayne Rooney has come out in support of Everton manager Sam Allardyce despite seeming disillusioned with his 63rd-minute substitution in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Huddersfield.
It was not the first time Rooney had been controversially taken off under Allardyce, with both parties feeling compelled to play down rumours of a rift following the ex-Manchester United man's early removal in the most recent Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Allardyce is the third man to take charge of the Goodison Park club this season. But asked about stability at the position, Rooney appeared to back the former England boss' stay at the club despite repeated chants toward Allardyce from Toffees supporters during the match at the weekend.
"I think that's what everybody wants," Rooney said. "Obviously it's tough having three managers in one season, that's not the normal situation you face. I think the club, we all want stability, and I'm sure the owners will do that."
Of the chants, Rooney added: "Obviously he's thick-skinned. I'm sure he'll keep doing what he does and whatever happens, happens. But I think he's got the full support from the team and, at the end of the day, since he's come in we'd be sixth in the league if that was the start of the season.
"We're moving in the right direction. Obviously, that takes time. We've had a bit of time under Sam and we're improving every game."
Allardyce has claimed two-thirds of the last 21 points available in the league.
Asked if he'd witnessed similar episodes of fan abuse in the past, Allardyce said: "Not [with] that many points.
"But I got it at West Ham, one time we were fourth. You never know. I'm Marmite, aren't I?
"All I can do is keep trying my best. The players are the key element for me, they're the ones I've to work with to get the best out of, get results and entertain the fans. For me, they've been doing that. I don't think this squad can do any more than we're doing."