Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

Rooney stands by Unsworth after humiliating defeat to Atalanta

The Toffees forward has backed the club's caretaker manager despite a heavy defeat to the Serie A side in the Europa League

Wayne Rooney labelled Everton's 5-1 Europa League thrashing at the hands of Atalanta as "upsetting" and "hurtful" but maintained caretaker manager David Unsworth has had a positive effect on the squad overall.

The Premier League strugglers had already blown their hopes of reaching the knockout stages and were mercilessly put to the sword by Gian Piero Gasperini's side, who also found time to miss a penalty at Goodison Park.

Midfielder Bryan Cristante scored a goal in each half and after Sandro Ramirez's first goal in Everton colours gave the hosts false hope, Robin Gosens lashed home spectacularly from range in the 86th minute before fellow substitute Andreas Cornelius helped himself to a brace amid shambolic defensive efforts.