Wayne Rooney may not start Europa League clash as Jose Mourinho ‘protects’ star

Jose Mourinho may not start Wayne Rooney against Zorya Luhansk tonight, believing the Manchester United captain cannot afford a below-par display as he recovers fro a back problem.

Rooney was left out of the starting XI for the 4-1 Premier League win over Leicester on Saturday after heavy criticism of his recent performances.

Mourinho insisted his decision was based on exploiting Leicester’s weaknesses rather than as a reaction to Rooney’s form and that he had planned to start the striker in the Europa League tonight.