Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney was dropped for his side’s pivotal Premier League match at Stoke City on Saturday.
United manager Louis van Gaal is reported to be facing the sack after a run of six games without victory in all competitions and has described the trip to the Britannia Stadium as “must-win”.
Rooney, who has scored only two league goals this season, was the only change Van Gaal made to the team beaten 2-1 at home by Norwich City last weekend, with Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera replacing him.
In Rooney’s absence, French striker Anthony Martial looked likely to lead the line.
United went into the match in fifth place in the English top flight, nine points below leaders Leicester City.
