Manchester United news: Wayne Rooney not affected by Jose Mourinho snub, claims Chris Smalling

Rooney was left out of United’s 4-1 victory on Saturday as players such as Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic thrived in the captain’s absence

Wayne Rooney came on in the 83rd minute during United's game against Leicester on Saturday (Getty)

Wayne Rooney has not been affected by being dropped for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Leicester City and is still the “main man” at Old Trafford, says Chris Smalling.

Rooney was left out of United’s 4-1 victory on Saturday as players such as Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic thrived in the captain’s absence.

The 30-year-old did not make an appearance until the 83rd minute, replacing Marcus Rashford, by which point United had firmly secured all three points.

Asked if Rooney had reacted when told he would be dropped, Smalling replied: “No.”

The defender added: “He was the same before the game when we were all getting ready. He is often one of the most vocal and he was the same.

"Whatever the situation is, whatever game, whether he is on the bench or playing or whatever, he is always that same type of character and that's why he is England's main man and our main man.”

Saturday’s game against Leicester was the first time Rooney has been dropped by Mourinho since he took over at the club.

The player did not travel to Rotterdam for the side’s Europa League opener against Feyenoord but Mourinho explained that he had been rested, alongside a handful of other United first-team regulars.

Although the player’s first-team spot at United now appears to be in jeopardy, Smalling has still backed his captain to hit back.

Chris Smalling headed home United's first goal at the weekend (Getty)

"He's a very experienced guy and he's played that many games that I think it'll only be a matter of time before he's back in there and firing again because he's quality," Smalling said.

Mourinho himself reiterated Smalling’s remark that Rooney is United’s “main man”.

Speaking after the game, the Portuguese said: "He's my man, I trust him completely. He's as happy as I am at this moment.

"He's a big player for me, for United, a big player for this country."