Wayne Rooney has revealed he asked Alex Ferguson to take him off penalty duties.

Striker Rooney blazed his latest effort over against West Ham last month, the second time this season he has failed from the spot. Ferguson indicated he needed to make a change, and when United got another penalty against Fulham last weekend, it was Ryan Giggs who stepped up to put his side ahead. But Rooney has revealed Robin van Persie, who did not start on Saturday, has now taken over as United’s number one taker.