Jose Mourinho says Wayne Rooney has been left broken by criticism of his form - but warned the Manchester United skipper he is not immune from the axe.

Mourinho said Rooney has not been the same since his laboured display in England's recent unconvincing win in Slovakia was highlighted.

Rooney has struggled since then, but Mourinho told the striker he can expect no special privileges with regard to his United place - despite being captain.

Asked if Rooney's status as captain made him immune from the drop, Mourinho said: "No, not at all.

"Wayne is the captain of the club. He's trusted by the players, he's trusted by myself and he represents the club in a fantastic way as a player and person.

Mourinho says he will drop Rooney if he needs to (
Image:
John Peters)

"But in football, everyone is the same and if he has to go on the bench, he goes on the bench.

"If he has to stay at home, he stays at home, but that doesn't mean you don't trust him or you have a problem. Not at all. We have no problems.

"He's our captain, but of course, no privileges. He's like anyone else."

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But Mourinho claimed Rooney had been affected by the flak that came his way after the Slovakia game, in which the forward struggled.

"Honestly, I think there was a Wayne before the Slovakia and England game and a Wayne after Slovakia and England," said Mourinho. "And I'm not blaming Sam [Allardyce], not at all.

Rooney struggled to assert himself during England's win in Slovakia (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

"I'm blaming the people that after the England and Slovakia game who were, in my opinion, too strong with somebody that is a very important player in the history of English football, the captain of England, the record goalscorer, and who is almost has the record for most matches.

"I think it was too much but I still think, a big boy like he is, he has to face it in a strong way."

Rooney could find himself benched for today's visit of champions Leicester to Old Trafford, following his abject display in United's midweek EFL Cup win at Northampton.

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