REMINDER OF A NEW ROO ROLE

JOSE MOURINHO addressed the issue before and during last Sunday’s EFL Cup Final win over Southampton. Would sentiment come into his team selection for the Wembley showpiece against Claude Puel’s Saints? The answer from the Manchester United manager was an immediate and unequivocal ‘No’. It was, of course, a loaded question on whether club captain Wayne Rooney would be involved. Mourinho’s stance was that he planned to pick the best team he could in order to win the match and on the day of the game it was confirmed that Rooney, as expected, would be on the subs’ bench. And as the final seemed to be heading towards extra-time, Mourinho decided to send on the club’s record goalscorer. That was a plan immediately ditched when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed United back in front. The pragmatic Mourinho immediately performed a U-turn, denying Rooney (left) a chance to get on and instead sending on Marouane Fellaini to help defend the lead. The England captain, in what is likely to be his last season at Old Trafford, had to settle for lifting the trophy as United skipper. And Mourinho had demonstrated the ruthless, practical side which has made him one the greatest winners in the world of football management. PAUL HETHERINGTON THERE are two Gundogans days. in Manchester these City have the currently midfielder injured Germany signed from Ilkay, 26, who they for Borussia Dortmund in contrast, £20million. United, Wales have just recruited Gundogan, prospect Levent midfielder 14, an attacking or striker from Connah’s Quay Nomads.