Rooney’s written himself into United folklore: Ferguson

However, Jose Mourinho will still want to put out a strong team, as this competition may be the club’s best opportunity to win silverware this season.

Rio Ferdinand has told talkSPORT Wayne Rooney is a true Manchester United great and deserves the chance to make a decision about his future without judgement from supporters.

Who will come out on top in the battle of the managers Marco Silva or José Mourinho?

“It is a different competition and a different test, but we will try to get the job done and win the game”.

United could play as many as 32 more matches, excluding replays, this season given their involvement in four competitions, including the Europa League.

One of the reasons behind Rooney’s desire to stay is he feels United are on the brink of something special under Jose Mourinho, having struggled in the aftermath of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. The Red Devils have seen many dubious refereeing decisions go against them and have also dominated nearly every game they have drawn this season.

Ferguson believes United are playing well because Mourinho has calmed down. He is very unlucky.

The 31-year-old, speaking after the 1-1 draw with Mark Hughes’ side, noted that claiming the title was a real honour.

‘He’s very respectful too. “That is the unfortunate part but he is going to have to live with that”.

“You want to play every game if you can but it doesn’t always happen how you like it”.

“I think it’s been a big burden on his shoulders – everything he’s done over the last few months has been about this record and that would have been pressure in itself”. If we are going to progress it’s going to be really hard.

‘It’s a privilege that I can do it, ‘ said Mourinho, who gave a high five to one bald journalist as he left the room.

Manchester United are firm favourites to reach the 2017 EFL Cup final next month when they visit Hull City in their semi-final second leg on Thursday night (19:45). “Well, it lasted for 44 years, I think, and when Wayne Rooney joined the club I could never imagine anybody could beat Sir Bobby’s record”, Ferguson told MUTV, United’s in-house television station.