Wayne Rooney believes the Manchester United players should shoulder the responsibility for the side's lacklustre campaign instead of Louis van Gaal.
Rooney was on target in United's 3-1 win over Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday as the Red Devils eased to a fourth victory in six games in 2016.
The England star has been a crucial part of that resurgence, scoring six goals in January, but he believes he and his teammates were equally culpable in a disastrous period between November and December, which saw United go winless for eight-straight games in all competitions.
"It’s unfair to say it’s down to the manager," Rooney said.
"We’re on the pitch, so the players have to take a lot of responsibility for performances and results.
"We have to stand up and take criticism when it’s there. We want to win, of course - we always want to win - and we’re trying.
"Even when you’re giving 100 per cent, it doesn’t always come off."
