Wayne Rooney's Place in Man United XI Under Pressure After Red Card V West Ham

Wayne Rooney is used to being in the spotlight.

It's been that way since he was 16 years old. It'll be the same on the final day of his professional career. And, most likely, for many days after that.

There is pressure on his shoulders every time he walks out on to the pitch. It comes with the territory when you're a former teenage wonderkid, now playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world—one that attracts more attention than almost any other.

But even for Rooney, he finds himself under the microscope more than ever this season. He's the new captain of United and England. His place in Roy Hodgson's team might be all but guaranteed. But that's not the case at Old Trafford anymore—despite what Louis van Gaal might have hinted.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Suddenly this season, he has found himself battling for a place in one of the most fearsome forward lines in the world. 

If he wants to play as a centre forward, he's got Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao for competition. If he'd rather play as a No.10, he's got Angel Di Maria, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj in his way.

This season is Rooney's 10th at United. And at 28 years of age, he should be hitting his peak years. But he's never had more reason to fear for his place in the team.

It's difficult to see how Van Gaal can fit Rooney, Van Persie, Di Maria, Falcao and Mata into the same team. Falcao was left on the bench for the game against QPR. Mata was the one to miss out against Leicester and West Ham.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

But Rooney's red card during the 2-1 win over Sam Allardyce's side means he'll now be the one to sit out against Everton, West Brom and, crucially, Chelsea. It will, however, be a welcome chance for Mata to show why he shouldn't be left out again.

Rooney might wear the armband, something Van Gaal says comes with "special privileges." But the Dutchman is too experienced as a coach and man-manager to pick his teams on anything other than form. 

He was happy to substitute Van Persie during the World Cup. He played Rivaldo on the left during his first spell at Barcelona because he was firm in his belief it would benefit the team. His concern is always the group, rather than the individual. 

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

There's no reason to suggest that won't extend to his treatment of Rooney. If the team perform well in his absence for the next three games, there's no reason why he should get straight back in. Mata certainly won't expect three positive displays to be rewarded with a demotion back to the bench.

There was pressure on Rooney's place as soon as Van Gaal splashed out on Di Maria and Falcao. And his dismissal against West Ham has given someone else, most likely Mata, the opportunity to prove they should be playing every week. And that's why, for a little while at least, Rooney should have a spell out of the spotlight.