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Wayne Rooney looks dejected during the English Premier League soccer match between Watford and Manchester United at Vicarage Road. Tim Ireland
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Is it time for Jose Mourinho to drop Wayne Rooney?

The United captain has come under increasing criticism of late, following a few indifferent displays.

MUCH HAS CHANGED at Man United in recent seasons, however Wayne Rooney has been one of the few constants.

Despite a turbulent couple of seasons at Old Trafford, Rooney has been a guaranteed starter during this period.

However, the United captain has come under increasing criticism of late, with many calling for the England international to be dropped.

Rooney was poor in last week’s Manchester derby, looking off the pace and ill-disciplined amid the 2-1 loss.

He was similarly ineffectual in the 3-1 defeat to Watford today, as United fell to a third defeat in eight days.

Moreover, Rooney’s favourite position, behind the striker, arguably limits Pogba. The €105 million signing often has to play in a deeper, more restricted role, in order to accommodate the 30-year-old.

On the other hand, Rooney’s defenders would argue that he is part of the spine of the team and one of the main leaders in the dressing room.

To drop the England captain would risk damaging team morale, while such a big statement would also arguably put further pressure on Mourinho and his side, who are already underperforming as it is.

In addition, while Rooney may no longer be the same player he once was, he is still capable of game-changing moments, as he showed with his goal in United’s win over Bournemouth last month. Furthermore, he has scored 179 goals in 373 games for the Red Devils, so he is arguably entitled to a little more leeway than the average player.

So what do you think? Is it time for Jose Mourinho to drop Wayne Rooney?


Poll Results:

Yes (4710)
No (733)

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