Irwin: Social Media A Pitfall

Former Manchester United full-back Denis Irwin claims the growth of social media is something professional players have to be wary of.

Footage of Wayne Rooney boxing a former team-mate in his kitchen emerged last week and caused a media frenzy - and Irwin admits that off-pitch behaviour is under far more scrutiny than it was during his time as a player.

The former Republic of Ireland international, 49, said: "Back in my day you had to be mentally strong but even more so nowadays because you are in a goldfish bowl.

"When you are a player here you know someone is after your place, whether it is a young lad or someone being linked in the papers, and you have to be mentally strong to handle that as well.

"There is more social media nowadays and the players are even more in a goldfish bowl than even in my days, but that is part of life. You are privileged not just to be professional footballers but playing for a club like this and they know it as well."

Former United and England captain Bryan Robson, who played alongside Irwin for four years at Old Trafford, championed Rooney's form on the pitch after the forward netted in Sunday's 3-0 win over Tottenham.

"I think Wayne has been one of our most consistent players this season," added Robson.

"The reason he hasn't been scoring so many goals is the manager (Louis van Gaal) decided to play him in midfield and he did a good job in there for the club at that time but now he has moved forward he has been scoring a few more
goals again.

"That is a good sign heading into the important part of the season when it all matters."

United currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League, a point behind Arsenal and just two points behind Manchester City in second.