LONDON: Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney would miss their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Anderlecht because of an ankle injury, manager Jose Mourinho said on Wednesday.
The England forward, who has sat out United’s last two matches, did not travel to Brussels for the game on Thursday.
“He is not happy with his condition,” Mourinho said. “He has bad feelings with his ankle and he’s not ready to play. Let’s see for the weekend, let’s see for next week.”
United right back Antonio Valencia should be fit to return against the Belgian team after missing the last two games and Mourinho said his side would have to be at their best against dangerous opponents.
“They are a good team and have a certain way of playing, adapted to the qualities of their players,” he said. “They play well, press well and have talented players. I think we have to play at our best level.
United are fifth in the Premier League table, one place outside the Champions League qualification spots, ahead of their match against leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“We still have two open doors and my feeling is that we are really going to fight in both competitions,” Mourinho said.
“Honestly, I have a special feeling with the Europa League, it’s a competition we can win.”