Jose admits that it wasn’t easy to keep Roo on bench

JOSE Mourinho has admitted he found it tough having to reduce Wayne Rooney’s game time at United.

The 31-year-old has moved back to his original club and boyhood heroes Everton after 13 years at Old Trafford on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

At United he climbed to become the Reds all time top scorer with 253 goals from 559 appearances following his £30m move from Goodison in 2004.

Last season he overtook Sir Bobby Charlton’s scoring club strike record with his free-kick hit against Stoke City in January.

Rooney made 26 starts and 14 sub appearances scoring eight goals.

But for a player who was club captain and used to be a regular it was a hard take.

And Mourinho felt for Rooney as he paid tribute to him following his departure to Everton.

“It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne; he has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come,” said the United manager.

“It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton.

“His experience, focus and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future.”