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.