Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney's work-rate is blunting his threat in front of goal.
Rooney has scored 10 goals so far this season but, like most of his team-mates, has been left trailing in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has hit the net an astonishing 27 times.
Manchester United manager Ferguson wants England international Rooney to concentrate on keeping opposition defences on their toes, rather than tracking back into midfield.
Rooney drew a blank as Ronaldo scored twice in the 2-0 victory over Portsmouth in midweek.
Opportunity
Ferguson said: "We told him after the game he doesn't need to expend so much energy in midfield.
"Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were in control.
"Wayne worked too hard and that maybe cost him the opportunity to get goals."
And the Scot is confident that Rooney will soon be back on the goals trail as he prepares his side for their Premier League trip to Tottenham.
Desire
Ferguson added: "He is doing fine. You wish every player you had showed that desire and appetite to play.
"It is a joy to see someone of his age play with so much enthusiasm.
"He just needs to control his energy - he will soon be banging in the goals again."
Rooney has scored 10 goals so far this season but, like most of his team-mates, has been left trailing in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has hit the net an astonishing 27 times.
Manchester United manager Ferguson wants England international Rooney to concentrate on keeping opposition defences on their toes, rather than tracking back into midfield.
Rooney drew a blank as Ronaldo scored twice in the 2-0 victory over Portsmouth in midweek.
Opportunity
Ferguson said: "We told him after the game he doesn't need to expend so much energy in midfield.
"Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were in control.
"Wayne worked too hard and that maybe cost him the opportunity to get goals."
And the Scot is confident that Rooney will soon be back on the goals trail as he prepares his side for their Premier League trip to Tottenham.
Desire
Ferguson added: "He is doing fine. You wish every player you had showed that desire and appetite to play.
"It is a joy to see someone of his age play with so much enthusiasm.
"He just needs to control his energy - he will soon be banging in the goals again."