MANCHESTER UNITED “LEGEND” Wayne Rooney deserved the freedom to make the decision over his own future, according to Jose Mourinho.
Rooney left United in July, rejoining Everton having spent 13 years at Old Trafford and, over that time, becoming the club’s all-time record goalscorer.
And though Mourinho has previously claimed he would have preferred Rooney stay at United, the former Chelsea manager has acknowledged it was an easy decision to let the 31-year-old — who is likely to start for the Toffees at Old Trafford tomorrow — return to Goodison Park.
“I think it is easy. When the legend decides. I think so [it is the legend's choice],” the United manager told Sky Sports. “That way it is easy because you don’t have to think a lot. You just have to respect the player’s desire, and what they decide. And when they’re a legend they deserve that freedom of choice.”
While Rooney’s return to Everton has yet to spark Ronald Koeman’s side’s start to the campaign, Mourinho’s United sit atop the Premier League, having accumulated 10 points from a possible 12 on offer.
However, Mourinho insists that he is not getting carried away by United’s impressive opening.
“We have 10 points. Man City have 10 points,” the Portuguese added. “Chelsea have nine points, Tottenham maybe seven, Liverpool seven, so what’s the difference?
“One point, two points, three points, one weekend, two weekends. They also have managers with title histories. Not all in the Premier League but in other countries. Everybody has a history of success.”
He’s rather good isn’t he? Probably one of the first Irish names onto the Lions squad for the summer along with Furlong.
Always has a point to prove against his home province. Big game for him.
@thesaltyurchin: That must be why Robbie Henshaw and Caelan Doris play so well against Connacht.
@Finbarr Ryan: We’re talking about ‘Finals’ pal
@Finbarr Ryan: Also Henshaw is from Athlone, which is in Leinster no?
Creating a bit of false “us v the world” stuff. There’s hardly a pundit out there writing Munster off. Listened to podcasts on OTB, RTE and the42 this week. If anything, it is 50/50.
@Ricky Wright: indeed. Leinster have never ever won Munster more than 5 times consecutively, we’re at 5 times now, there’s probably a good reason for that. Things change and records are broken however sooner or later Leinster will once again lose to Munster and that could be Saturday. I hope for a Leinster win, but it really is a 50/50 in my eyes too.
@SPQH: Yep. I don’t even believe Europe is a distraction. I have a feeling Munster will win, and win more comfortably than any one expects. 10 points. I’ll be a bit sick if it happens but at least the season won’t be over, for whoever loses.
@SPQH: we’d be going for 11 in a row only for the red card.
@Chris Mc: Well I hope we don’t get a red card tomorrow! Come on Leinster!
He is Irelands Jamie Vardy
@Cranesofdublin: who’s that?
@Rudiger McMonihan: he’s a mate of your dad Antonio obvs
I think the pundits for the first time in a long while have Munster favourites, more probably in a desire to see another Province win for a change.
The battle of the backrows will be fascinating.Johnny v Joey ,the scrums,so much to look forward to ,you can’t over hype this game enough
@rugbyanbeer: funny it’s more likely Ross v joey
@rugbyanbeer: Munster are not favourites.