Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to criticise manager Wayne Rooney’s selection against Coventry City with Jason Knight starting out wide.

The Rams slumped to a 1-0 defeat against the Sky Blues.

Coventry striker Maxime Biamou capitalised on a poor Nathan Byrne pass, allowing the Frenchman to run in on goal and slide the ball underneath Kelle Roos.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Derby then struggled to get back into it, failing to create any clear-cut chances or get in behind the Coventry defence despite largely dominating possession.

Taking to Twitter, some Derby fans felt Rooney got his line-up wrong.

Jason Knight burst onto the scene last season and scored eight goals for Derby.

The Republic of Ireland international has an abundance of energy and determination. However, Knight has seemingly become a victim of his own dependability.

You now what you will get with the Derby youngster. He will put in 100% every game, track runners, clock up the highest number of sprints and refuses to give in.

But his best attributes are arguably off-the-ball. Out wide, Derby lack creativity and wingers who can beat and a fullback and supply crosses. Knight simply isn’t this type of player.

Birmingham City v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Derby boss Rooney, however, opted to play him on the wing against Coventry, leaving Graeme Shinnie and Max Bird outnumbered centrally while Martyn Waghorn struggled up top.

Knight is far more useful in a midfield three. Waghorn, meanwhile, is more effective out wide. The selection change made little sense, and only hindered Derby’s ability to attack.

Rooney rang the changes in the second half. However, it was a case of too little, too late in Derby’s bid for an equaliser as Coventry comfortably held out for all three points.

Also see: Report: ‘Special’ Derby talent wanted by Leeds and Moyes tipped to move clubs this summer

Also see: ‘Inspire the proper side of Glasgow’: Manager backs ex-Derby boss for Celtic job

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