Mourinho weighs up Rooney recall for Liverpool clash
30-year-old was dropped for Red Devil's last two league matches against Leicester City and Stoke
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Wayne Rooney. PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON:
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho faces one of the biggest decisions of his reign with the Red Devils as he weighs up whether to recall Wayne Rooney for the Premier League clash with bitter rivals Liverpool on Monday.
Rooney has endured a miserable few weeks after being dropped by United and England in their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.
The 30-year-old's troubles have led to a debate about whether he should be used in midfield instead of his long-time role as a striker, while some critics claim he is no longer worthy of his place with club or country.
After crushing Leicester in their first match without Rooney, United were less impressive in a draw against lowly Stoke and Mourinho might be tempted to bring him back at Anfield on Monday.
Given Rooney's experience and track record in big games -- he scored the winner at Liverpool last season -- if Mourinho does leave him out for such a significant fixture, it will cement the striker's diminished status in the Old Trafford pecking order.
Dwight Yorke, a Champions League and Premier League winner during his time with United, has no doubts that the 30-year-old is still a force to be reckoned with.
"People in football have such bloody short memories. He just has to get his confidence back and play in the manner we're used to seeing, banging in goals. Then everyone will be singing his praises again," Yorke said.
After losing their last four league meetings with United, Liverpool have a chance to make a statement about their title credentials.
Jurgen Klopp's side have won four successive matches to climb to fourth place, but the German isn't satisfied.
"Even when you are good, you need to get better because the teams around you all get better. To stay in the race, development is everything," Klopp said.
Fixtures
Saturday
Arsenal v Swansea, Bournemouth v Hull, Chelsea v Leicester, Crystal Palace v West Ham, Manchester City v Everton, Stoke v Sunderland, West Brom v Tottenham
Sunday
Middlesbrough v Watford, Southampton v Burnley
Monday
Liverpool v Manchester United
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho faces one of the biggest decisions of his reign with the Red Devils as he weighs up whether to recall Wayne Rooney for the Premier League clash with bitter rivals Liverpool on Monday.
Rooney has endured a miserable few weeks after being dropped by United and England in their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.
The 30-year-old's troubles have led to a debate about whether he should be used in midfield instead of his long-time role as a striker, while some critics claim he is no longer worthy of his place with club or country.
England's Rooney set to be on the bench for Slovenia match
After crushing Leicester in their first match without Rooney, United were less impressive in a draw against lowly Stoke and Mourinho might be tempted to bring him back at Anfield on Monday.
Given Rooney's experience and track record in big games -- he scored the winner at Liverpool last season -- if Mourinho does leave him out for such a significant fixture, it will cement the striker's diminished status in the Old Trafford pecking order.
Dwight Yorke, a Champions League and Premier League winner during his time with United, has no doubts that the 30-year-old is still a force to be reckoned with.
Rooney-less Manchester United thrash Leicester 4-1
"People in football have such bloody short memories. He just has to get his confidence back and play in the manner we're used to seeing, banging in goals. Then everyone will be singing his praises again," Yorke said.
After losing their last four league meetings with United, Liverpool have a chance to make a statement about their title credentials.
Jurgen Klopp's side have won four successive matches to climb to fourth place, but the German isn't satisfied.
"Even when you are good, you need to get better because the teams around you all get better. To stay in the race, development is everything," Klopp said.
Fixtures
Saturday
Arsenal v Swansea, Bournemouth v Hull, Chelsea v Leicester, Crystal Palace v West Ham, Manchester City v Everton, Stoke v Sunderland, West Brom v Tottenham
Sunday
Middlesbrough v Watford, Southampton v Burnley
Monday
Liverpool v Manchester United