Mourinho compelled to 'protect' Rooney ahead of Europa League clash

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho feels the need to "protect" under-fire captain Wayne Rooney after a wave of media criticism.

The Red Devils eased tension around Old Trafford with a convincing win over Leicester City on the weekend, but they did it without Rooney. He was benched following a string of leaden-footed showings, particularly in a deeper midfield role.

Like a troubled parent, Mourinho is now wary of exposing the record England scorer to a media maelstrom in Thursday's Europa League action.

Whether Rooney will pay against Zorya Luhansk, however, is ultimately down to his fitness. But the Portuguese gaffer admits he's thinking twice about the consequences of handing Rooney a starting berth.

"I was completely convinced of playing him tomorrow. I'm not sure if I do that because with the situation that you create (for) him, I think he really can't afford to have a performance that is not really good," Mourinho told reporters. "I am here to protect him and have to analyse the best thing for him.

"If he is not totally ready for it, I will discuss that with the medical staff."

What's certain is that Henrikh Mkhitaryan - who's spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch for United - won't make an appearance. He's returned to training with the group, although he hasn't fully overcome a thigh injury.

The Armenia international has made just one competitive start for his new club thus far.

Joining Mkhitaryan on the sidelines is Luke Shaw, who missed United's past two matches with a groin problem. This time it's simply a fever that's keeping him out.

That means Daley Blind - who performed admirably in Shaw's absence - will once again assume left-back duties.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial are both set to start.