Defender insists skipper is still no.1 at United
Chris Smalling has insisted that being dropped has not affected Wayne Rooney and is still the ‘main man’ at Old Trafford.
Rooney was left out of Jose Mourinho’s starting XI for United’s game vs Leicester on Saturday lunchtime, and when asked if Rooney appeared down when he was told, Smalling replied: “No.”
Smalling, 26, said the England captain acted in the same manner whether he was in the team or on the bench.
“Whatever the situation is, whatever game, whether he is on the bench or playing or whatever, he is always that same type of character and that’s why he is England’s main man and our main man,” he said.
“He’s a very experienced guy and he’s played that many games that I think it’ll only be a matter of time before he’s back in there and firing again because he’s quality.”
Smalling headed home the opening goal in United’s victory over Leicester, with Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba also scoring.
Asked about Rooney after the game, Mourinho said: “He’s my man, I trust him completely. He’s as happy as I am at this moment.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
