Jose Mourinho has insisted there is "no problem" with Wayne Rooney's position at the club and he will remain captain "on or off the pitch".
Rooney has struggled for his best form this season and Sky sources understand he will be on the bench for Sunday's clash with Stoke City after starting in the Europa League on Thursday.
The 30-year-old was assured of his place as England captain by caretaker boss Gareth Southgate this week and Mourinho also says he backs that decision.
"Wayne is the captain, no matter what - on or off the pitch," the Portuguese said. "He is my captain and captain of the club and the captain of the players.
"It is difficult to be the captain sometimes, but he has all the respect and support he needs. He is a Manchester United man, he is a great professional and wants to win. He has still been motivating people.
"OK, so, Wayne didn't start the last two matches but he played in both and he won in both, so there is no problem.
"I think Gareth Southgate was right to make Wayne his captain. Gareth is now the national team manager and doesn't just have 100 percent respect from me, he has 200 percent respect.
"If you ask me if am I happy with the decision to make Wayne captain, I will tell you that I am very happy. Any good decision that Gareth takes about one of my players will always get my respect and support.
"Gareth always has my support - as Sam had, as Sven Goran Eriksson had, and all the other ones in my time as a Chelsea manager or Manchester United manager."
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