Once upon a time Manchester United not rushing Wayne Rooney back from injury for a European quarter-final would have been news that shocked and appalled fans, but nowadays it draws little more than a shoulder shrug.
The 31-year-old Red Devils skipper has been battling fitness issues of late and Jose Mourinho has elected not to include him in his squad for Thursday’s Europa League last eight first-leg clash with Anderlecht in Belgium.
BREAKING: Wayne Rooney has not travelled with Man Utd squad for their Q/F Europa League tie with Anderlecht on Thursday #SSNHQ
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) 12 April 2017
The Manchester giants may view the competition as their best chance of booking a spot in 2017/18’s Champions League given that they trail Manchester City and Liverpool in the race for a top four berth in league action, so beating the Jupiler League outfit is sure to be a priority for ‘The Special One’.
And a lot of Man United fans are happy that their side will be going toe-to-toe with Anderlecht without Rooney, describing him as past it and not good enough.
How times have changed…
@SkySportsNewsHQ Advantage manchester united.
— . (@IH1525) 12 April 2017
@SkySportsNewsHQ Good he wasn’t gonna play anyway
— Asam (@Asam__A) 12 April 2017
@SkySportsNewsHQ I don’t think he’s travelled to a single United game for about 3 years
— Josh (@LFCJosh23) 12 April 2017
@SkySportsNewsHQ Hopefully never travels with the squad anywhere again the finished fraud
— Sam (@MarouaneZidane) 12 April 2017
@SkySportsNewsHQ pic.twitter.com/GtvXH4HWGm
— David Burke (@daithidb65) 12 April 2017
@SkySportsNewsHQ It’s not even worthy of tweeting anymore, it’s the norm now. Credit to Jose too he’s fazed him out without the media kicking up a fuss.
— Jake! (@JakeAGriff) April 12, 2017
@SkyKaveh As he should be. Time to step up his performances or move on. Love the fact Mourinho isn’t sentimental
— Gats (@TomG123456) April 12, 2017
@SkyKaveh Take the hints mate..
— Mike (@Mike87_MUFC) April 12, 2017
@JamieJackson___ Embarrassing really that Zlatan at 35 looks as sharp as he does. Rooney looks well past it despite being 4 years younger.
— Andy Pritchard (@andypritch90) April 12, 2017
@JamieJackson___ he’s just not good enough now. What a player but happens to everyone
— Jamesy (@jamesyboy8) April 12, 2017
