Wayne Rooney
Rooney watches on from the bench as United cruise to victory over Leicester. Getty Images

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been sensationally left on the bench for the Premier League visit of Leicester City. The England international has been punished for a poor run of form which coincided with Jose Mourinho's side losing three times in a row prior to the English Football League Cup win at League One Northampton Town.

The 30-year-old started the EFL Cup third round tie at Sixfields but having been unable to score has failed to retain his place for the visit of Claudio Ranieri's champions on Saturday [24 September]. Marcus Rashford, who has scored three times this term and Jesse Lingard were preferred either side of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Ander Herrera named in midfield.

More from IBTimes UK

Despite intending to play Rooney in an attacking position this season, Mourinho has named England's record goalscorer in a deep position in the United midfield – leading to constant criticism over his ability to perform the role. Rooney had claimed the reproach has had no affect on him however it has not prevented him losing his place in the Old Trafford first team.

Rooney's exclusion, the first time he has failed to start in the top flight since April, has sparked debate on Twitter over both the decision and his future at United which appears in jeopardy. IBTimes UK has looked at the best reaction to the biggest decision of the Premier League season so far.

Jose Mourinho on dropping Wayne Rooney

"I knew the question would come, but I think the question should be that we have two young English players in the starting line-up. Lingard and Rashford are quick, the game is going to be intense and fast; we need fast players around Zlatan today. The last thing I want to do as a manager is hurt players or create negative situations - in a normal country with a normal media I would say, '23 players, lost of matches to play, fresh people, we have another match on Thursday'. It is just a normal decision."

Wayne Rooney Manchester United FC Leicester City FC Premier League