Manchester United vs Leicester: Jose Mourinho explains reasoning behind decision to drop Wayne Rooney

The 30-year-old club captain was included among the substitutes for United's clash with the champions

Rooney on ball bag duty as his team-mates warm up (Reuters)

Jose Mourinho has explained his decision to drop Wayne Rooney from Manchester United’s starting line-up for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Leicester City.

The 30-year-old club captain was left among the substitutes after several sub-standard performances led to many questioning his place in the team.

Mourinho, who made a total of four changes to the line-up which started last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Watford, explained that he made the call to drop Rooney because he wanted more pace in his side.

"Rashford plays and Lingard plays," he told Sky Sports. "I knew that the question would be about Rooney, but I think the question should be about two young English players."

"[They start] because they are quick, because the game is going to be intense and fast, the way they play the way they will stretch the game."

Rooney, who started up front in Wednesday’s 3-1 EFL Cup win at Northampton Town, defended himself against the criticism of his performances earlier this week, dismissing them as “rubbish”.

“I think I’ve had that my whole career,” he said. “A little bit more of late, I think, but that’s football.

“I listen to my coaches and my team-mates, the people around me, and I don’t really listen to what a lot of people out there are saying because a lot of it is rubbish.

"I have to focus, work hard, of course, and I’ve done that throughout my career. I’ve worked hard and tried to do my best for the team.”