Sky Sports' Phil Thompson believes Wayne Rooney was 'dreadful' against Aston Villa

Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson described Wayne Rooney as "dreadful" against Aston Villa on Friday night.

Rooney had a disappointing game in front of the Sky Sports cameras, having just three shots on target in his first two matches, despite playing in his favoured lone striker role.

Former Liverpool centre-back Thompson believes a lack of competition up front at Manchester United could be having an adverse effect.

"Rooney may be in the comfort zone with nobody challenging to take his place," Thompson told Soccer Saturday.

"The manager has told him ‘you are my number one striker’ - there’s nobody there. Hernandez, I think, is still injured and then you’ve got (James) Wilson. 

"Nobody’s going to put him under pressure and his performance was dreadful last night."

Fellow pundit Charlie Nicholas feels that the Manchester United captain needs to be tested if he is to thrive this season in Louis Van Gaal's side.

"We know he can play deep but not in a regular side that’s going to try and be champions but Rooney needs to be tested every week or so mentally," he said.

"He is a natural fighter and he’ll give every ounce that he’s got and not complain about it but he needs that edge. He needs that edge in his game."