Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes Wayne Rooney's form slump started after receiving too much criticism following England's clash against Slovakia.
Rooney has come under fire for his recent performances after United went on a three-match losing run, which they ended with an EFL Cup win over Northampton Town on Wednesday.
The forward, who has hit back at his critics, was in good form for United prior to the international break, having scored and assisted a goal apiece in his club side's first three Premier League games.
And Mourinho believes the United and England captain has been affected by the amount of flak he received for his display against Slovakia.
"I think there was a Wayne before the Slovakia game and a Wayne after the Slovakia game. And I am not blaming Sam [Allardyce, England manager], not at all," Mourinho said.
"I am blaming the people that after the England match against Slovakia was, in my opinion, too strong with somebody that is a very important player in the history of English football, is the captain of England, is the record of goals, is almost the record of matches.
"I think it was too much but I still think, a big boy like he is, he has to face it in a strong way."
On individuals needing to know how to deal with the intense media spotlight, Mourinho added: "I just feel that it’s part of the job and you have to look at in this way. It's part of the job and it's part of your culture and part of the culture of this country.
"It's part of the job. You have to cope with it, you have to realise you are very lucky to be in our position.
"You must be very lucky to be Manchester United manager, Man United player, Man United physio, Man United doctor, Man United kit man. You have to be very lucky, so feel good and fight hard."
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