Gary Neville believes Rooney benching was 'inevitable'

Gary Neville has admitted that Jose Mourinho's decision to drop Wayne Rooney from the Manchester United XI was “inevitable”.

The 30-year-old has come under criticism after a string of poor performances for the Red Devils, and Neville believes that leaving Rooney out of the team to play Leicester City is the right decision.

"I think it was inevitable. The pressure has been building around here for the last two to three weeks," the former United defender told Sky Sports.

"There seems to be a cry for Rooney to be dropped, he hasn't played well, particularly in these last few weeks. It's become a distraction, and distractions aren't good."

Former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher also believes that Mourinho has made the correct call, and thinks that Rooney may benefit from not being an automatic selection.

“I think it may be better for Wayne Rooney and the team," Carragher revealed.

“He [Mourinho] has taken Wayne Rooney out of the firing line. He could come on and have an impact from the bench.

“Over the next few weeks, Rooney needs to try and get himself back in the side."

However, ex-Newcastle United midfielder Jermaine Jenas feels that Mourinho should have accommodated Rooney in his team to face the Foxes.

“Towards the end of last season Wayne Rooney showed me things in midfield which suggested that that is his place now," Jenas told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“The reality is that he hasn't got pace which defenders are scared of now. He still has a role in the team but it's not where he is playing now.

“I wouldn't start Rooney for England, but for United I would play him in a midfield three. Carrick, Rooney and Pogba.”