Manchester United injury news: Wayne Rooney doubtful for Sunderland trip says Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho claims his captain Wayne Rooney is doubtful for his side's next league tie against Sunderland. The Red Devils make a trip to the Stadium of Light and will face the struggling Black Cats on 9 April.

The England international was sidelined for close to a month due to a leg injury, before making a return against West Bromwich Albion. He came off the bench to replace Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the second half of the match at Old Trafford on 1 April which ended in a goalless draw.

Mourinho confirmed Rooney missed Everton's midweek trip to United due to ankle injuries, while winger-turned full-back Ashley Young was also forced off the pitch due to an injury. The Portuguese tactician said the 31-year-old is a doubt for United's visit to Sunderland on Sunday.

"It's two ankles so I don't know. But I don't think it is so easy to recover in a couple of days. He did it after the game [against West Brom]," Mourinho explained, as quoted by United's official website.

United are already without the services of the star trio of Juan Mata, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who are considered long-term absentees, according to the club's website. The Spain international playmaker had a groin surgery on 31 March and is expected to miss the Red Devils' upcoming fixtures.

Smalling and Jones picked up "long-term" injuries while they were on international duty with England during the last international break. Mata and the England international duo will miss the 20-time English champions' next tie against the Black Cats and Rooney will also join them at United's treatment room.

Mourinho has seen his side fail to secure three points in the last two league fixtures as United settled for a point against West Brom and Everton. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager will be hoping his side can bounce back with a win when they face David Moyes' side on Sunday.