Skip to content

Wayne Rooney ruled out of Manchester United's game against Middlesbrough

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30:  Wayne Rooney of Manchester United applauds fans following the EFL Cup quarter final match between Manchester United and
Image: Wayne Rooney missed Manchester United's Boxing Day game with a thigh injury

Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United's game against Middlesbrough as he continues to struggle with a thigh injury.

Rooney missed the Boxing Day game against Sunderland at Old Trafford and Jose Mourinho has confirmed the 31-year-old will also miss the home game against Middlesbrough on New Year's Eve.

"He's out," Mourinho confirmed, and when asked if there was any expected return date for Rooney, said: "No, there is not."

Live Premier League

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan produced a contender for goal of the season in their 3-1 win over Sunderland on Boxing Day

Mourinho worked alongside Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka at Real Madrid - and tomorrow they go up against each other for the first time.

A gap of 15 points exists between Boro in 15th and United, who are sixth after a run of four successive Premier League victories.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jose Mourinho faces his former assistant at Real Madrid Aitor Karanka when Middlesbrough travel to Manchester United on Saturday

Despite the close friendship that exists between the two, Mourinho says it will be business as usual.

"He's my friend, he's a real friend of mine," he said. "I want him to win and he wants me to win so this will be the first time we don't want each other to win.

Also See:

Sky Sports Month Pass for just £20
Sky Sports Month Pass for just £20

New customer winter madness offer: Sky Sports Month Pass for just £20

"Sometimes you have brothers playing brothers and I am sure there have been times where a father has gone against his son.

"It's better we have a drink together before the match rather than afterwards because one of us will have a bad face."

New customer winter madness offer: save over 40% on your Sky Sports Month Pass, just £20

Around Sky