Jose Mourinho: This is why Wayne Rooney is missing Europa League clash

JOSE MOURINHO wants to rest captain Wayne Rooney for the Premier League season.

The Manchester United boss raised some eyebrows by not including his talisman in the squad that will face Dutch side Feyenoord tomorrow night in the Europa League.

But the Portuguese boss says he knows how much football Rooney had played recently and he wants to keep him fresh.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the match, Mourinho said: “He has played every game since the start of the season and he played 90 minutes with England.

“I want him to be fresh for the next games.

“He plays in an attacking position where I have lots of options.”

Marcus Rashford is expected to make his first start of the season tomorrow night after only appearing as a substitute so far.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be missing after aggravating a thigh injury in United's 2-1 derby loss to Manchester City on Saturday.

And both starting full-backs, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw have been left at home.

Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian are expected to start in their place.

Speaking of Rojo, Mourinho said: “I didn’t make the decision based on that negative episode (Shaw’s broken leg).

"Luke is a very good player, who is working well and hard.

“My options in the first four matches have been Luke, Luke, Luke, Luke. It is time for Marcos to play.”

United will take on Feyenoord at a half-full De Kuip stadium as the Dutch side have voluntarily reduced their stadium capacity to avoid the crowd trouble that erupted in their round of 32 fixture last year against Roma.

Only 1,400 United supporters will be allowed to attend the game as a result of the reductions.

“There is not player or manager who wants to play in an empty stadium," added Mourinho.

"We are lucky it is not closed, just half of it, but half is not the same as full. Every player wants a great atmosphere.

"I remember clearly what happened against Roma. I don’t think this is Feyenoord, Feyenoord is much bigger than a few hundred that created that situation. But in the end the clubs are punished by this actions.

"The players are going to be punished, I am punished, van Bronckhorst will be punished.

"I have played here in friendly matches and I know the atmosphere will be good with half of it.