Rvp: Why The Fuss Over Rooney?

Robin van Persie fails to see what all the fuss is about regarding Wayne Rooney and is backing his former Manchester United strike partner to emerge stronger from a spell on the bench.

United and England captain Rooney has come on as a substitute in the last four matches for Jose Mourinho's men and also for his country, during the 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Slovenia. It has led to huge media focus on the 30-year-old's present situation, which is not surprising considering he is one of the most high-profile players in the game.

Some 12 years after his debut hat-trick against Fenerbahce, Rooney will be keen to take on van Persie's current employers in the Europa League at Old Trafford and the Dutchman knows his former colleague can handle the attention.

"Of course, Wayne is a top player," van Persie told MUTV. "He's the all-time top scorer for England and he's scored so many goals for Manchester United.

"But, you know, Wayne is strong as well. He's been used to living in the spotlight from a very young age. He will deal with things. During a career, you have ups and downs but Wayne always finds a way to come out of it.

"These days, everything is a bit blown up with social media and all the opinions from former players and from whoever, everyone has an opinion. Everyone takes it over and I think it's made bigger than it really is.

"At any stage of your career, you will sit on the bench a few times. It's quite normal in a long season, especially in England, where you have so many games. I don't see what the fuss is about. I think people are actually making it bigger than it is.

"I think people are looking for sensation and something that is not there in most cases. Wayne will know how to handle this and he will come out on top."