Rooney to remain Manchester United captain: Mourinho

London: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney will continue to remain captain despite losing his place in the first team at Old Trafford, manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed.

The England international was dropped from the starting XI during the side's 4-1 win over reigning Premier League champions Leicester City while he also started from the bench in the Europa League game against Zorya Luhansk.

In spite of that, Mourinho backed Rooney to continue to motivate the rest of the players in the team, while adding that the 30-year-old does not have to worry about potentially losing his role at United.

"Wayne is the captain, no matter what. It doesn't matter whether he is on or off the pitch. He is my captain and the captain of the club and the captain of the players," Mourinho was quoted as saying by goal.com.

Labelling Rooney as a 'Manchester United man', the Portugal manager insisted the former is a great professional who works really hard and is willing to score goals for the team.

"And that is difficult, to be the captain of everyone. So he has all the respect and all the support. He is a Manchester United man, he is a great professional and wants to win and of course he was happy when we scored," he added.

United, who are currently languishing down to the seventh spot in Premier League standings, will next lock horns with Stoke City on Sunday.