Mourinho: Rooney can lift EFL Cup even if he doesn't play

Even if he doesn't see the pitch against Southampton, Wayne Rooney will still lead the celebrations should Manchester United capture the EFL Cup.

Red Devils bench boss Jose Mourinho said Rooney, the declining 31-year-old whose future at the club has come under increasing question as his opportunities to play have dried up this season, says the captain will hoist the trophy Sunday at Wembley if United can defeat the Saints.

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Mourinho acknowledged that he won't give Rooney a starting berth simply for sentimental reasons, but with Henrikh Mkhitaryan sidelined after suffering an injury in midweek, the Englishman's chances of making an appearance in the League Cup final are on the rise.

Even if he doesn't play, however, Rooney will be at the forefront of potential victory celebrations.

"I think he's our captain. Playing or being on the bench - he's always our captain," Mourinho told MUTV, as quoted by ESPN FC

"But I don't care. We just want to win. If we win, I don't care who lifts the cup. I just want to win the match.

"He is our captain but I don't think he cares, I don't think anyone does. We all just want to win."

A United victory would signal the club's fifth League Cup triumph, while Mourinho himself would move level with legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough by winning the competition for the fourth time as a manager.