Manchester United made hard work of it against Northampton Town, defeating the League One side 3-1 in the third round of the League Cup.
A stunning strike from Michael Carrick, powerful low drive from Ander Herrera and a point-blank range Marcus Rashford tap in was enough to see off a gritty home side, who levelled from the spot minutes before half-time.
The much-needed victory for Jose Mourinho’s men ended a run of three successive losses in all competitions, loosening the pressure release valve on the club.
However, one player who cannot escape the negative headlines right now is the side’s skipper Wayne Rooney.
Once again, the 30-year-old looked devoid of confidence and lacked a cutting edge to his play from midfield.
Another woeful performance from the United stalwart was met with vehement calls from the fans to drop Rooney from the starting XI.
With Carrick and Herrera putting themselves into calculations for a starting berth against Leicester, will Mourinho heed the groans of discontent from the stands and replace the skipper on Saturday?
Honestly not sure if Rooney is very off form,has a lack of confidence, past it at the top level or has lost his hunger and motivation. #MUFC
— Football Feast (@FootieFeasts) September 21, 2016
The ones saying Rooney should be dropped are out of their minds… He should actually be banished from starting again for #MUFC
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) September 21, 2016
I honestly think the harder Rooney’s tried tonight, the worse he’s got 😦 That really show how far he’s fallen 😩 #MUFC #EFLCup
— Richard McQuade (@TheRMcQ1986) September 21, 2016
Really hope Rooney doesn’t get the #mufc scoring record. Used City for a payday and refuses to walk away & disregard what’s best for United
— Alec Purdie (@PurdieFootball) September 21, 2016
Mourinho asked for goals from Rooney… He has none… Really hoping he doesn’t start on Saturday and Herrera and rashford do #mufc
— ziad al jamaan (@ziadaljamaan) September 21, 2016
Rooney’s first touch is like Brad and Angelina, no longer there.
— Aryan (@theunitedmanc) September 21, 2016
I struggle to fathom how some pundits and fans can genuinely argue that Rooney deserves to start. HOW. Stop lying to yourself.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 21, 2016
Wayne Rooney resembles a great boxer trying to make a comeback when he’s had the fight punched out of him…sad to see in many ways #MUFC
— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) September 21, 2016
I will be astonished if Rooney starts Saturday now. Mourinho has surely given him the rope to hang himself and surely it’s worked.
— Alex Simmonds (@alex_simmo) September 21, 2016
Rooney struggling against a league 1 team clearly shows how much Rooney’s ability has decreased. Club legend he is. Top quality he isn’t.
— Karl Edwards (@GianlucaKe) September 21, 2016
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