Wayne Rooney has been denied the chance this lunchtime, from the start at least, to hit back at the critics who ‘damaged’ him after the England-Slovakia game.
The Manchester United skipper didn’t have the best of games last time out for his country and has, at times, looked out of sorts in club colours this season also.
And whilst United boss Jose Mourinho is confident Rooney is big enough and strong enough to ride out the latest storm, he has decided to take him out of the firing line.
Mourinho admitted he was concerned about Rooney’s demeanour following his return from international duty; and his subsequent club performances were a reflection of a troubled man.
Rooney had started the previous five United games, but Mourinho said: “I knew that the question would be asked about Wayne not playing, but the question should be about Lingard and Rashford playing, said Jose.
“Two young English players who will add speed to the team.”
Manchester United starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Blind, Pogba, Herrera, Rashford, Mata, Lingard, Ibrahimovic.
Leicester City starting XI: Zieler, Simpson, Huth, Morgan (c), Fuchs, Mahrez, Drinkwater, Amartey, Albrighton, Slimani, Vardy.
Source: DSG
