Jose Mourinho Discusses Wayne Rooney, More After Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has explained his decision to drop Wayne Rooney to the bench for the Red Devils’ clash with Arsenal on Saturday was for tactical reasons.

According to the Telegraph’s James Ducker, the Special One said he wanted more pace in his starting lineup:

I thought we were going to have the ball. Arsenal are a team who let the opponents play. I thought we would have space and the ball would arrive quite easily to the attacking players.

I believed ones like [Juan] Mata, [Anthony] Martial and [Marcus] Rashford were faster than Wayne, better attacking opponents one to one in the last line. I thought it was the best option.

Rooney’s place in the team was brought into question after reports Mourinho was “furious” with the Football Association after the England and United skipper was pictured drinking at a wedding while on international duty, per Sky Sports News HQ’s Andy Burton.

According to the Times’ Paul Hirst, Mourinho said in his pre-match press conference that Rooney was nevertheless “ready to play” against Arsenal.

Football writer Liam Canning hailed the pace brought by Martial and Rashford up front, while Mata—who isn’t known for his speed across the pitch—was praised for his industry in the match:

Delighted to see Martial and Rashford both starting today. Finally a bit of pace up front to stretch the defence. 3 points massively needed.

— Liam Canning …

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