Jose Mourinho Discusses Wayne Rooney, More After Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has explained his decision to drop Wayne Rooney to the bench for the Red Devils' clash with Arsenal on Saturday was for tactical reasons.

According to the Telegraph's James Ducker, the Special One said he wanted more pace in his starting lineup:

"

I thought we were going to have the ball. Arsenal are a team who let the opponents play. I thought we would have space and the ball would arrive quite easily to the attacking players.

I believed ones like [Juan] Mata, [Anthony] Martial and [Marcus] Rashford were faster than Wayne, better attacking opponents one to one in the last line. I thought it was the best option.

"

Rooney's place in the team was brought into question after reports Mourinho was "furious" with the Football Association after the England and United skipper was pictured drinking at a wedding while on international duty, per Sky Sports News HQ's Andy Burton.

According to the Times' Paul Hirst, Mourinho said in his pre-match press conference that Rooney was nevertheless "ready to play" against Arsenal.

Football writer Liam Canning hailed the pace brought by Martial and Rashford up front, while Mata—who isn't known for his speed across the pitch—was praised for his industry in the match:

Pace and work rate were two of the defining qualities of Rooney's early career—he was well known for terrorising defenders with his speed, as well as covering every blade of grass over the course of a match.

Having done that from the age of 16, it's possible the 31-year-old has suffered from burnout in recent years—not only has his form dropped dramatically, he no longer seems to be in possession of his trademark pace or willingness to run at players.

Indeed, if Mata is now being deemed faster than him by his manager, it speaks volumes for Rooney's decline.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

One player whose form has not dipped with age is Michael Carrick, who played 90 minutes against the Gunners.

Mourinho praised the cultured midfielder and revealed he is likely to give him another contract extension, per Ducker:

"

It is very sad to know that time flies for every one of us. He is such a fantastic player and it is a pity, I always loved him, but instead of being his manager when he was 25 I am his manager when he is 35.

We have a good understanding. We know when he can play. We know when he is ready and when he needs a rest. I am still having Michael Carrick and probably for one more season. That’s life.

"

Carrick has not featured too much thus far in Mourinho's reign but has impressed in each appearance, and the results speak for themselves, per Squawka Football:

The former England international exudes calm and composure on the ball and has exceptional passing range—he dictates the tempo of games from the centre and helps United retain possession.

Further, he is helping to get the best out of Paul Pogba, giving the Frenchman licence to roam into more advanced areas of the pitch, while the hard-working Ander Herrera does much of his running.

His fitness will need careful management, particularly over the busy Christmas period—Mourinho confirmed he suffered from cramp late on in Saturday's game, and it would be a surprise if he were to play against Feyenoord on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League despite United's need to win.

Carrick's talents have long been underappreciated throughout his career, but he's perhaps starting to get the recognition he deserves now the Red Devils are starting to discover what life without him will be like.