Jamie Redknapp has expressed his belief that Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney needs to show "greater responsibility" now that he is captain of the team.

The England international will miss his club's next three matches after he was sent off for a high and late challenge on Stewart Downing in United's 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Saturday.

"I have done plenty of stupid things on a football field but it was rash, particularly after such a good first half," Redknapp wrote in the Daily Mail. "Now Rooney misses three matches including a big clash against Chelsea. With competition so fierce, he will hate being out of the team.

"That edge has always been a big part of Wayne's game. It's part of what makes him a winner and you don't want to take that away but he needs to show greater responsibility, especially as captain."

Rooney has apologised to his teammates for the challenge that resulted in his sending off at Old Trafford.