PHOTOS: Manchester United players, girlfriends turn up for Rooney’s birthday

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney celebrated his 30th birthday on Sunday with most of his teammates and their girlfriends turning up for the rather low key event.

The event was with colour but no glamour, coming hours after United’s dismal performance against city rivals Manchester City in a match that ended 0-0.

Rooney, in particular, looked gloomy at the event, arriving in his match day suit.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Ashley Young were among the guests who attended the party.

Former Manchester United players Wes Brown, who now plays for Sunderland, and Johny Evans, who plays for West Brom, was also in attendance.

Manager Louis van Gaal was absent from the event held at Hilton Hotel in Liverpool.

Rooney has just scored six times in all competitions this season and held the worst passing accuracy and fewer touches compared to any united player on the pitch against City.

Rooney also held possession 28 times in the 90-minute play time on what was a hugely frustrating afternoon.

Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said he is ‘sick’ of talking about captain Wayne Rooney, after he was asked by reports to comment on the England striker’s form.

Other than Rooney’s disappointing display in the Manchester Derby with Manchester City, United team performed below par, posting just one shot on target in the 90 minutes.

Van Gaal is under pressure from several quarters to drop the 30-year-old, though there has been no indication that he would do so or address the matter publicly.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admitted he was disappointed by the draw though adding that he is proud of his players’ efforts and attitude in the match.

The result came four days after United’s 1-1 draw away at CSKA Moscow – a round trip of over 4,000 miles.

“I am disappointed, I have told my players that, but I cannot complain because I am very proud of my players. To do that after the UEFA Champions League, playing the game in Moscow is a different situation,” said Van Gaal.

“The team played 90 minutes, concentrated and focused and I am proud of that. But at the same time I am disappointed that we are still two points behind league leaders.”

Van Gaal believes his side should have been awarded a penalty when City forward Raheem Sterling challenged Ander Herrera in the second half.

Manchester United face Middlebrough in a Capital One Cup match on Wednesday.

[Photos/ Daily Mail]