Van Gaal drops Rooney for United’s trip to Stoke

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been dropped to the bench by Louis van Gaal for the lunchtime trip to Stoke. 

Van Gaal is said to be on the brink of the sack at Old Trafford, with some reports suggesting he has a maximum of two games to save his job.

The manager has acted for the Boxing Day clash at the Britannia Stadium, finally axing his skipper following a dreadful run of form.

Following defeats to Bournemouth and Norwich in their last two outings, United have brought in Ander Herrera, with Anthony Martial set to play through the middle.

United XI: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Jones, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Memphis, Martial #mufc pic.twitter.com/iHOR9y8vds

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 26, 2015

TEAM NEWS | Here is your #SCFC Starting XI and substitutes for this afternoon's @premierleague game against @ManUtd. pic.twitter.com/cbB5JHg0KP

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 26, 2015