EPL 2016-17: Watford 3-1 Manchester United - 5 Talking Points

#4 Wayne Rooney needs to go

Rooney is under a lot of pressure now after a series of lacklustre performance

Despite being Manchester United’s captain, Wayne Rooney has been one of the worst players on the pitch and it remains to be seen how much longer Jose Mourinho will be keen to retain him in his starting 11 after a series of unimpressive performances in the middle of the park.

He was careless with his passing, failed to contain the Watford midfield and was easily dispossessed off the ball on numerous occasions and left Mourinho with no reason to back him for a starting role at the club.

While he has been his side’s leading creator with 12 goal scoring opportunities so far, it can be argued that should Juan Mata be afforded the amount of time Rooney has been afforded, he could prove to be an even better asset to the side than he currently is.

Many fans believe that the biggest mistake David Moyes made during his time at Manchester United was heeding to his demands and ensuring he becomes one of the highest-paid players at the club and Europe and the decision might be coming back to haunt the club as Rooney is virtually guaranteed a start on the basis of his reputation rather than merit.

Jose Mourinho has a reputation for being a man who is not afraid to make tough decisions and we do not foresee any reason why he should shy away from benching the captain given his performances in recent times.