Victorious United will send Wayne up for cup even if he doesn’t play

WAYNE ROONEY could end a turbulent week by lifting the League Cup for Manchester United, even if he doesn’t play against Southampton.

Rooney, who committed himself to United for the remainder of the season after being linked with a move to China, is in Jose Mourinho’s final squad but has not played since February 1.

However, it is believed his team-mates are keen for their captain to collect the silverware if United win the trophy for the fourth time this century.

Mourinho indicated he will happily leave the decision to his squad with Michael Carrick or Chris Smalling likely to wear the armband if Rooney doesn’t start. ‘I don’t care who lifts the cup, I just want to win the match,’ said the United boss.

‘He [Rooney] is always our captain, whether playing or being on the bench, or coming on or starting and leaving the pitch. But I don’t think he cares either, we all just want to win.’

Rooney may be reluctant to collecct the cup, given the publicity John Terry received when he put his Chelsea kit on to celebrate their 2012 Champions League success while he was suspended.

But the situation is different for Rooney as he is involved in today’s final. He could join the on-pitch captain, as Bryan Robson did with Steve Bruce when United won the Premiership in 1993.

Mourinho says he can’t wait for the kick-off as he tries to win the cup for the fourth time. He won three times with Chelsea and today he could become the first Manchester United boss to win a trophy in his opening season.

Mourinho told MUTV: ‘I’m not nervous. I’ve had many years in football, many finals — I want to play.

‘I want to win, I want to feel responsibility, big responsibility — that’s all.

‘I’ll go for dinner with all my assistants. We’re in a positive way, we’re together and we start now being together and focused on the game. It’s not one more game, it’s always a special match.’