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Rooney wants festive fixture rethink

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has added his voice to calls for changes to the Premier League’s breathless festive fixture schedule, in comments reported by several British newspapers on Tuesday.

Rooney scored twice in United’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day, lined up for the 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur less than 48 hours later, and is due to feature against Stoke City on New Year’s Day, reports AFP.

Europe’s other major leagues are currently enjoying a mid-season break and England’s traditional festive programme has come under attack, with Sunderland coach Gus Poyet describing it as “a disgrace”.

Rooney said, “It is not easy playing two games in two days and you do lose a lot of the quality from both teams.

“It is difficult. We started so well in the first half (against Tottenham), but in the second half it was tough and hopefully in the future it has to change.