Wayne Rooney says he is worth his place in United

Wayne Rooney has vowed to shut out the critics and battle hard for Manchester United.

The form of the United and England captain has come under scrutiny following the team's recent poor run of results.

United lost three successive games, to Manchester City, Feyenoord and Watford, before their midweek win at Northampton in the EFL Cup.

Some observers have questioned whether 30-year-old Rooney, who is just three goals short of equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time United record of 249, is still worth his place in the side.

But asked about the critics, Rooney told MUTV: 'I think I've had that my whole career - a little bit more of late, I think, but that's football.

'I listen to my coaches and my team-mates, the people around me, and I don't really listen to what a lot of people out there are saying because a lot of it is rubbish.

'I have to focus, work hard, of course, and I've done that throughout my career. I've worked hard and tried to do my best for the team.'

There has also been debate about Rooney's best position. Former manager Louis van Gaal sometimes deployed Rooney in a midfield role but new boss Jose Mourinho prefers to have him further forward.

Rooney said: 'I've done that (played in different positions) throughout my career. I feel I can play in all positions but I think the manager has made it clear either I'll play up front or in the number 10 (role) and that's where he sees me playing.'