Mourinho: Rooney still 'a big player for United' despite benching

Wayne Rooney will remain an important part of Manchester United's plans this season, even if the Red Devils look infinitely more fluid without the cumbersome striker-turned-midfielder bogging things down.

Jose Mourinho finally bent to the pressure Saturday, benching the captain for a tilt with Leicester City, and his side promptly turned in a dominant display, with Paul Pogba starring in a 4-1 triumph at Old Trafford.

Related: Unburdened by Rooney, Pogba shines as United crushes Leicester City

It was no coincidence the world's most expensive player - and the team as a whole - turned in an inspired display without Rooney, but Mourinho insisted after the contest the England captain remains a critical component of his team.

"He's a big player for me, a big player for United, a big player for this country. He's my man, I trust him completely. He's as happy as I am at this moment and that's the team," Mourinho said.

"It was a very good performance. It's obviously a very good result, it's not easy to win against them and even more difficult to win in such a comfortable way.

"I think the team played very well, you score four goals, and the striker doesn't score a goal and I think the striker plays phenomenal.

Rooney, 30, has come under intense criticism for the better part of two seasons now as his qualities continue to wane, a move from an attacking role into midfield arguably doing his career more harm than good.