Jose Mourinho: 'Wayne Rooney needs a rest'

Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring during the Premier League game between Manchester United and Stoke on February 2, 2016
© Getty Images
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says that he felt the time was right to hand Wayne Rooney a rest after leaving the Englishman out of his first Europa League squad.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed his reasons for leaving Wayne Rooney out of his squad for Thursday's Europa League clash with Feyenoord.

Rooney was a notable absentee from the 20-man travelling party, but Mourinho has said that his captain has no injury problems, rather he has been rested after appearing in every match so far this season.

The Red Devils boss also revealed that he will use the European match to hand fringe players the chance to impress, with Memphis Depay and Ashley Young among those pushing for selection in the final third.

"Rooney has played every game since the beginning of the season. He also played 90 minutes for England, he played 90 minutes last weekend. I want him to be fresh for the next Premier League match," Mourinho told reporters. "I have lots of solutions in Rooney's position who are working hard to have a chance."

Rooney, 30, has scored once in five appearances for Man United this season.

Wayne Rooney warms up prior to the game between Manchester United and Chelsea on December 28, 2015
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