Rio Ferdinand found time to string a few words together in defence of Wayne Rooney.
“He’s a young player and he has an exceptional talent as everybody knows. But his temperament is always there to be questioned by people as he plays his football on the edge.
“I have always said I think his temperament has improved since he came to us from Everton.
“The number of bookings he receives has gone down.
“This is one of those situations where he has been sent off. Arguably you could say he doesn’t deserve to be sent off.
“It’s a cliché but it’s true that
“I would rather have the player we have now. It’s not as though he is not making an effort. He is.”
Alan Smith also offered some comforting words:
"I think for a young man, who could potentially be one of the best players in the world, we've all got to put an arm round his shoulder and help him through difficult times."