Wayne Rooney in line to lift EFL Cup if Manchester United beat Southampton even if he fails to get on at Wembley

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Wayne Rooney could end a turbulent week by lifting the League Cup for Manchester United, even if he doesn't play against Southampton. 

Rooney, who committed himself to United for the remainder of the season after being linked with a move to China, is in Jose Mourinho's final squad but has not played since February 1. 

However, it is believed his team-mates are keen for their captain to collect the silverware if United win the trophy for the fourth time this century. 

Wayne Rooney has returned to the Manchester United squad to face Southampton on Sunday

The 31-year-old could lift the EFL Cup but Jose Mourinho doesn't mind so long as his side wins

Mourinho indicated he will happily leave the decision to his squad with Michael Carrick or Chris Smalling likely to wear the armband if Rooney doesn't start. 

'I don't care who lifts the cup, I just want to win the match,' said the United boss. 

'He [Rooney] is always our captain, whether playing or being on the bench, or coming on or starting and leaving the pitch. But I don't think he cares either, we all just want to win.' 

Rooney may be reluctant to collect the cup, given the publicity John Terry received when he put his Chelsea kit on to celebrate their 2012 Champions League success while he was suspended. 

But the situation is different for Rooney as he is involved in Sunday's final. He could join the on-pitch captain, as Bryan Robson did with Steve Bruce when United won the Premiership in 1993.

Rooney has found himself lower down the order since the arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Mourinho could become the first United manager to win a trophy in his first season at the club

Mourinho says he can't wait for the kick-off as he tries to win the cup for the fourth time. He won three times with Chelsea and he could become the first Manchester United boss to win a trophy in his opening season.

Mourinho told MUTV: 'I'm not nervous. I've had many years in football, many finals — I want to play. I want to win, I want to feel responsibility, big responsibility — that's all. 

'I'll go for dinner with all my assistants. We're in a positive way, we're together and we start now being together and focused on the game. It's not one more game, it's always a special match.'