Rio Ferdinand sends message to Jose Mourinho about forgotten Man United man

Rio Ferdinand claims that Wayne Rooney is the man Jose Mourinho should turn to in Manchester United’s quest for Europa League glory this season.

The striker has returned to the starting line-up for the Red Devils in recent games after Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a season-ending knee injury last month.

Rooney has been handed a watching brief for most of the season and the veteran forward has only started 11 Premier League games under Mourinho.

Manchester United are now approaching a crucial part of the season as they bid to secure Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League.

The Red Devils take on Celta Vigo in the first leg of their semi-final clash in Spain on Thursday night.

And Manchester United legend Ferdinand feels that Rooney should play a key role for the Red Devils in the final month of the season.

Writing in his column for The London Evening Standard, Ferdinand said: “Wayne Rooney is a huge asset for Manchester United to call upon right now to clinch the Europa League trophy.

“Everyone knows about Jose Mourinho’s injury problems, but United have a serial winner in the dressing room to help get them past Celta Vigo in the semi-finals.

“There has been a lot of talk in the media that this will be Rooney’s last season at Old Trafford. If that’s the case, he will want to go out with that Europa League trophy under his arm.

“These are the moments when the squad at any club is tested and you have to perform — whether you’re a young lad coming through or someone who has been waiting patiently for an opportunity.

“You have to show your worth, show why you were brought to the club in the first place and been working hard all these months.”

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Manchester United finished fifth and won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal last season.