Wayne Rooney has been left out of Manchester United’s squad for their Europa League clash against FC Midtjylland tomorrow night – the club have confirmed.
The reason for the England captain not travelling for Thursday’s first leg of their last-32 tie in Denmark will be revealed by Louis van Gaal at his 5pm press conference this afternoon.
The Red Devils did not list Rooney among their eight injured senior players when issuing a team news update on their official website on Wednesday morning.
Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Adnan Januzaj and Phil Jones are all on the treatment table.
Donald Love is in the squad after making his debut against Sunderland on Saturday. Will Keane, Regan Poole, Joe Riley and James Weir are all in line to follow suit.
Striker Keane, who has been in prolific form for United’s reserves since returning from a loan spell at Preson North End, could be given an opportunity in Rooney’s absence.
The 30-year-old’s omission could be with an eye on Monday’s FA Cup trip to Shrewsbury Town as United look to balance playing in three competitions for the rest of the season.
Although, it would be strange if Van Gaal felt that Rooney should be held back for the League One club, considering that Midtjylland were strong enough to knock Southampton out of the Europa League.
SEE MORE:
Arsenal considering summer transfer swoop for Manchester United playmaker
Rooney defends Van Gaal; insists Manchester United players must take blame for dire run
Manchester United lining up £60m transfer swoop for Bundesliga star; Red Devils primed to offer £200k per week