Rooney conundrum is Jose's biggest headache

Of all the managerial dilemmas facing Manchester United's Jose Mourinho after three successive defeats, the future of his captain Wayne Rooney is by far the most pressing.

The England captain, deployed in a central midfield role this season, has been a peripheral figure in a team struggling to gel and his lackluster performance in the 3-1 defeat at Watford on Sunday led to widespread calls for him to be dropped.

Rooney mustered one shot, did not play a single through ball and created only two chances for teammates with the nine corners and free kicks he took.