Jose Mourinho has "no problem" with out-of-favour captain Wayne Rooney

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 02 October 2016

Jose Mourinho claims that he is happy with Wayne Rooney's recent performances from the bench and suggests the Englishman still has a big part to play at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho has insisted that he has "no problem" with Wayne Rooney despite overlooking his skipper for Manchester United's last two games.

The England international has been made to settle for a place on the bench for the Red Devils' wins over Leicester City and Zorya Luhansk in the past eight days.

Rooney is also likely to miss out on the starting lineup for Sunday's meeting with Stoke City at Old Trafford, but Mourinho is confident that the 30-year-old is still a positive influence on the group and can soon earn his place in the side.

"Wayne is the captain, no matter what - on or off the pitch," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He is my captain and captain of the club and the captain of the players. It is difficult to be the captain sometimes, but he has all the respect and support he needs.

"He is a Manchester United man, he is a great professional and wants to win. He has still been motivating people. OK, so, Wayne didn't start the last two matches but he played in both and he won in both, so there is no problem."

Despite his troubles at club level of late, Rooney was told by interim England boss Gareth Southgate last week that he will retain his captaincy for the foreseeable future.

"I think Gareth Southgate was right to make Wayne his captain," Mourinho added. "Gareth is now the national team manager and doesn't just have 100% respect from me, he has 200% respect.

"If you ask me if am I happy with the decision to make Wayne captain, I will tell you that I am very happy. Any good decision that Gareth takes about one of my players will always get my respect and support."

Rooney has claimed two assists and one goal in eight appearances for United this season in all competitions.