The topic of Wayne Rooney's role in the Manchester United team has been ever-present these past few years and to fuel this on-going scrutiny further, the veteran striker has been left out their europa league squad ahead of their Thursday night clash with feyenoord.
Jose Moutinho has taken Depay in place of Rooney, with Martial, Ibrahimovic and Rashford all getting plaes in the squad. Speaking ahead of Thursday nights game, he said on MUTV: "He's played every game since the start of the season and played 90 minutes for the England team. I want him to be fresh for the next Premier League match"
With the burden of Rooney not there, Mourinho is has a long list of players vying for the number 10 role to choose from, and it will be interesting to see the lineup against Feyenoord.
Does this mean a chance for Rashford?
Fans have been calling for the 18-year-old revelation to start for the Red Devils after his meteoric rise to the first team last season and with Rooney out of the picture, this could be Rashford's chance to start. Mourinho has already shown his support the youngster stating on Skysports that:"The next big game is against Feyenoord and he is going to play...I trust him completely. I know his future will be absolutely brilliant"
Mkhitaryan injured
Mkhitaryan was hailed as one of United's marquee signings this summer, but his career at United as not taken off as he would have hoped. A host of second-half cameos was followed by a substitution at half time when hosting Manchester City, he has not yet been given the chance to show his qualities that earned him the Bundesliga player of the year.
The Sun recently reported that the player was 'not happy having to play wide in a three behind the striker', further showing his difficulties at the start of his United tenure.
Europa League aims
With the Europa League being Mourinho's first European campaign with United, in a pre-match interview against Feyenoord, he stated on MUTVthat: "We come here to respect the opponent.
We come to respect the opposition. We come to win the game." He also said"We want to win the competition. It's difficult to do it and it's simple to feel it and say it. But it is the way we want to approach the competition"
How well can Manchester United do in the Europa League? Can they win it? Share your thoughts below!
