Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed that it was his decision, and not manager Sir Alex Ferguson's, to stop taking penalties for the team.

The England international has missed eight spot kicks during his nine years at the club - with seven of those coming since 2010.

After two penalties failed to hit target this season, it was recently revealed that Rooney would be relinquishing his duties from 12 yards.

"To be honest, it was my choice," he told MUTV. "It wasn't good enough. I went in to speak with the manager and said I'd spoken with Robin [van Persie] and told him he could take them."

Rooney has scored 12 goals in 23 games for the Premier League leaders this season.