Jose Mourinho says striker Wayne Rooney “wants to play” in Manchester United’s clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The England captain has been at the centre of controversy this week after images emerged of him, in the words of the The Sun, being ‘too drunk to stand’.
The incident at a private wedding party at a hotel last Friday and Rooney has come under severe criticism for his behaviour.
Despite the furore, it was a knee injury that forced Rooney to miss England’s friendly against Spain on Tuesday after he slipped on an energy drink bottle.
A mission statement from the #MUFC manager… pic.twitter.com/x2VdIGWhoG
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 18, 2016
Mourinho wouldn’t be drawn on the hotel incident but confirmed that his striker is “ready” for action if called upon against Arsene Wenger’s side at the weekend.
“Over the last two or three days nothing happened,” He trained and wants to play. He is ready. What happened in the national team I don’t comment on.
“He belonged to the national team. I don’t interfere for good or bad. Sometimes players come back stronger than when they left because something positive happened.
“Other times they are not as strong because of injuries or frustration because result was bad. We know what didn’t go well but it is a different chapter that is closed until March.”