Mourinho Provides Update On Rooney

Jose Mourinho has provided an update on Wayne Rooney’s fitness during a press conference in Brussels ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Anderlecht.

Rooney has missed the Reds’ last two games and was not in the squad that travelled to Belgium for Thursday’s quarter-final first leg at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.

Mourinho didn't rule his captain out of contention for Sunday's Premier League encounter with Chelsea, telling reporters: "He is not happy with his condition. He’s trying to work, which he does, but he’s not confident, he’s not happy.

"He has bad feelings with his ankle and he’s not ready to play. Let’s see for the weekend, let’s see for next week. We don’t have many players and need everyone to try to be available. For tomorrow, no."

Antonio Valencia has also been absent for the last two games but trained on Wednesday morning, with the boss having earlier confirmed that he expected the Ecuadorian to return against Anderlecht. Meanwhile, Ander Herrera and Eric Bailly are one booking away from a European suspension.

Mourinho is looking for a good result to take back to Old Trafford for next week's second leg but is mindful of Anderlecht's qualities.

"They are a good team and have a certain way of playing, adapted to the qualities of their players," he said. They play well, press well and have talented players. I think we have to play at our best level.

"We have that second leg as a possible protection, but tomorrow it’s important to play well – if we don’t we put ourselves in a difficult situation. When a team arrives at this stage of the competition, everyone feels it’s possible [to win it]. The motivation is high for everyone."

Jose insists that United are still fighting on two fronts for Champions League qualification but feels his side can go all the way in Europe.

"We still have two open doors and my feeling is that we are really going to fight in both competitions," he said. "Honestly, I have a special feeling with the Europa League; it’s a competition we can win.

"It can give us the same as the top four, which is to play Champions League, but it can give us a title. But we are going to give everything, domestically and in Europe, to reach the Champions League."