Wayne Rooney believes he was the victim of "disgraceful" treatment following the publication of photos that showed him socialising at England's team hotel when on international duty last weekend. The England and Manchester United captain said he was shown a "lack of respect" by the media after he joined in a wedding party in between the matches against Scotland and Spain. Rooney received criticism in some quarters, and backing in others, after the photos were sold to a newspaper and he ended up "unreservedly" apologising to interim England manager Gareth Southgate over the images which he did say were "inappropriate" for someone in his position. After United's 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal on Saturday he was in less apologetic mood, annoyed the furore over his behaviour had failed to subside in the media. "What's been going on is disgraceful," Rooney told reporters. "I'm proud to play for my country and I'm proud of my achievements. "It's not finished yet. I think what's been going on is disgraceful. It shows a lack of respect and I think enough is enough. That's all I want to say."
United manager Jose Mourinho defended his captain on Friday, blaming England for not protecting him. Jose Mourinho intends to drop Wayne Rooney as punishment for his indiscretions on international duty, according to reports in the British media. In the absence of first-choice frontman Zlatan Ibrahimovic through suspension, the England captain had been expected to lead the line, however his drunken antics have not at all been well received by Mourinho. The Daily Mirror writes that youngster Marcus Rashford will instead start against Arsenal in Saturday's clash at the Emirates Stadium, with Rooney likely to drop down to the bench after his latest faux pas. Despite the bold move, Mourinho is understood to be furious with the Football Associations's handling of the situation as several representatives were present during the debacle. The Portuguese tactician will have to do without a whole host of first-team stars for the tricky trip to north London, with Ibrahimovic joining Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling on the absentee list. Doubts remain, too, over Luke Shaw and Marouane Fellaini for the clash against Arsene Wenger's men.
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