Roo can do better! Ferguson issues warning to United striker

Last updated at 11:58 PM on 14th January 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney to sharpen up his act after the Manchester United striker endured another frustrating afternoon at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The pair have been at loggerheads since Rooney was fined and dropped for the Premier League match against Blackburn on New Year's Eve after a poor training session following an evening out.

Frustrated: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney

And Ferguson offered no sign of reconciliation after Rooney missed a penalty, his third miss from six spot kicks this season, in the 3-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday.

'Wayne had his moments but he can do better,' Ferguson said. 'I think missing the penalty kick maybe upset him a little bit. But it's a good punishment.'

In stark contrast, Ferguson was full of praise for Paul Scholes, labelling him one of United's greatest ever players after the veteran midfielder put the Red Devils on their way to a victory which took them level on points with rivals Manchester City.

Failed: Rooney missed from the penalty spot again

Disappointment: Rooney missed from the penalty spot again

A week after his shock retirement U-turn, Scholes scored his first Premier League goal since August 2010 and his first at Old Trafford for almost two years when he turned home Wayne Rooney's cross-cum-shot in first-half stoppage time.

It was the 151st goal of the 37-year-old's career and was more remarkable because Ferguson had told him to sit in the centre of midfield and control the play.

'It was a surprise to see him at the far post,' said Ferguson.

'With his age and the fact he has just come back, we were looking for him to control central midfield, which he did.

'But he has the instinct. He always has had. 'He probably said "it was nearly half-time, I will gamble'.

Off target: Danny Welbeck picks up Rooney after another chance went begging

'He is one of our greatest players. When you see his performance today, you don't lose that.'

Up to that point, it had been a struggle for United.

Wayne Rooney had a 20th-minute penalty saved by Adam Bogdan, who also repelled a couple of efforts from Danny Welbeck.

There were more nervy moments after the break but eventually Welbeck and Michael Carrick struck late on to allow United to move level on points with leaders Manchester City, who head to bottom club Wigan on Monday.

However, Ferguson was more vexed by the failure of referee Peter Walton to send Zat Knight off when he brought Welbeck down for Rooney's penalty.

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Golden oldie: Scholes celebrates after scoring against Bolton

It seemed like a clear goalscoring opportunity and at the end of a week when Vincent Kompany was sent off against United for a two-footed tackle but Glen Johnson stayed on for a similar offence on Joleon Lescott three days later, Ferguson feels it is time for some clarification.

'We should have been playing against 10 men,' said the United boss.

'But these inconsistencies are confusing to everyone.

'Referees have to be given direction about what are the laws of the game and what should be permitted in terms of tackles.

'(Referees' chief) Mike Riley has to be given the rope to say this is not allowed, two-footed tackles are not acceptable, whether you take the ball or not.

'If he does that it would clarify the situation for all players, the referees and the fans.'

Ferguson confirmed Welbeck had gone off with a twisted knee but should be fit for next Sunday's trip to Arsenal.