Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that Wayne Rooney was angry over a refereeing decision rather than being substituted in Wednesday night's victory over Crystal Palace.
The club captain, who is two goals shy of beating Sir Bobby Charlton's scoring record, was replaced by Marcus Rashford in the 80th minute of United's 2-1 triumph at Selhurst Park.
While walking to the bench, the forward had an exchange with the fourth official and smashed his boot against the dugout in frustration.
Mourinho has claimed that Rooney was angry after referee Craig Pawson refused to award a penalty when Joe Ledley handled the ball in the box.
"He was angry with a possible penalty," the Manchester Evening News quotes Mourinho as saying. "He was complaining with the referee on the pitch, he was complaining with the fourth official on the bench, he was really upset with it, but even at 1-1 I told him 'Forget it, let's forget it'.
"No, I didn't, I didn't see [the handball]. The only thing I can say is the referee is good, he's good. He is one of the good young referees and I like his work, if he made mistakes, unlucky for him and unlucky for us but he is a very good referee and you have to support."
Rooney has made 13 Premier League appearances this season, but has started just seven.
Danielle Joynson
