Wayne Rooney backs Andre Villas-Boas

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has given his support to under-fire Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The Blues have lost three of the their last four games and are 12 points off the pace set by United's local rivals City in the Premier League. Meanwhile, they are also in danger of crashing out of the Champions League.

England international Rooney has joined his manager Sir Alex Ferguson in lending his support to the Portuguese coach.

"There's a lot of people saying he should be sacked, that Chelsea should make another change," he told The Sun. "There's no need to do that, I cannot see the point in that at all.

"I must admit I've been surprised by Chelsea's problems because in the last few years they've always been so solid, so hard to score against and so very difficult to beat. This season that hasn't been the case but they've a new manager and a new way of playing which will take time to settle.

"Look at Manchester United celebrating 25 years of success under Sir Alex and look at Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and David Moyes at Everton. Ten years and more of stability and consistency there. So for me the best option is to keep faith and keep your manager."

Despite recent injury woes, 26-year-old Rooney is expected to line up for the Red Devils against Newcastle at Old Trafford this afternoon.