It's a strange position we're in, Rooney breaking the England goalscoring record and subsequently (and continually) being well below average in the PL. David Moyes made a rod for all our backs in giving Rooney the new contract when Fergie had clearly saw the writing on the wall. LVG utilises said rod in constantly whipping us with it in naming Rooney on his teamsheet (and arguably more irritatingly, keeping him on for the full 90!).
Media don't want to look stupid in calling him out as his records will stand the test of time even if these abysmal performances wont.
Our biggest obstacle is LVG's stubborn arrogance and his 'undroppable' captain. The sooner he sees Rooney's current form is detrimental to the team, the better. Who knows, a spell on the bench may reinvigorate Rooney, get the hunger back. Either way, his current form needs to be addressed.