Manchester United news: Wayne Rooney is set to start on the bench against Zorya after Jose Mourinho admits England skipper suffering from a back problem
United captain found himself starting amongst the substitutes for the 4-1 demolition of Leicester at the weekend
WAYNE ROONEY is set to start on the bench for the second game running as Manchester United host Zorya in the Europa League.
Boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that the England captain is suffering from the after-effects of a back problem and will struggle to make his starting line-up.
Rooney was benched for the 4-1 demolition of Leicester after speculation over his future role at the club after being shifted from position to position.
And with United looking excellent in his absence, Mourinho looks set to stick with Marcus Rashford and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He said: “Wayne is in the squad, but I have not yet decided whether I will start with him.
“He has had a back problem, so has not managed to train at full intensity all week. He is recovered now, but only just returning to training with the rest of the players.
"At the start of the week I was completely convinced he would play the whole game, but now I am not so sure.
“I am here to protect him, not to put him into difficult situations. With the situation now created around him he really cannot afford to have a performance that is not really good.
"I have to analyse if the best thing for him is to start the game. If he is not totally ready for it and I will discuss it with the player and the medical staff, he might start on the bench.”
After the shock defeat to Feyenoord in their opening game, Mourinho is taking no chances and will field his strongest side.
He continued: "I would say we have to win all of the next four matches, which is difficult.
"From now on the approach will be different, I will be putting more of my key players on the pitch.
"It is very important that we win.”
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One player who will definitely not be involved is Luke Shaw, who is ill and was immediately sent home when the team doctor saw him.
Jose said: "“Luke Shaw is ill - as soon as the doctor saw him he ordered him home so as not to affect the other players.”
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