Wayne Rooney will have been relieved to have been dropped by Jose Mourinho for Manchester United‘s 4-1 win over Leicester City, according to former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness.
For the first time in the Premier League this season, the Red Devils captain was not included in the starting XI as his place went to Juan Mata, who went on to score once and register an assist in the victory over the defending champions.
The decision from Mourinho not to start the England international triggered a strong reaction from supporters and pundits alike, with Souness expressing an opinion that Rooney knows his form hasn’t been good enough to retain his place in the team.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the Anfield favourite said: “Maybe he’s relieved [to not start], he doesn’t need to listen to anybody he knows he’s not having not having a good time.
“Is he completely comfortable in that midfield position? I don’t think so.
“I think part of him will be relieved because I think the criticism he’s been getting has been fair, I think deep down he will know that he doesn’t deserve to be in the team.”
As Rooney looked on from the substitutes bench his teammates, Paul Pogba in particular, delivered their best performance of the season to date as they ended a run of successive defeats in the league.
It remains to be seen how the 30-year-old can work his way back into the team and all eyes will be on Mourinho’s team selection for the Europa League tie against FC Zorya.
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