The Liverpool man has defended his under-fire Manchester United counterpart.
Speaking to Sky Sports, England midfielder Jordan Henderson leapt to the defence of under-fire Wayne Rooney following the 2-0 win over Malta on Saturday.
The Liverpool and Manchester United men put their club rivalries to one side this weekend in the name of international duty.
But one fared much better than the other.
The Liverpool midfielder played a starring role in the victory by setting up first-half goals for Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli, whereas Rooney was jeered by a section of the Three Lions supporters toward the end of the World Cup qualifier.
The 30-year-old has started Manchester United’s last three games on the bench and it seems to be a very difficult period of his career, compounded by the reception he received at Wembley.
But Henderson says criticism is simply par for the course in professional football, and backs his club rival to come through this test time.
“Wayne’s experienced enough to know he has to concentrate on his football. I think he’s had criticism for most of his career, like many players have,” the Liverpool man is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“He deals with it very well. He’s our captain and our leader. He’s a fantastic player for Manchester United and England.
“I didn’t really hear any boos, but we have to deal with it as professional footballers. There is going to be criticism along the way.”
Henderson may not be as friendly toward his England captain on Monday week when Liverpool host Jose Mourinho’s side at Anfield in what is shaping up to be a fascinating clash.
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