Anyone can lose a place

JOSE Mourinho has stressed he does not view Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic or anyone else in the Manchester United squad as an "untouchable" player.

There have been questions of late over the performances of midfielder Pogba and striker Ibrahimovic, United's two most high-profile summer signings.

Red Devils boss Mourinho in 2006 suggested certain players he had at Chelsea were virtually immune from being dropped by labelling them "untouchable".

And he was asked ahead of tonight's Europa League clash with Fenerbahce if he has players at United he would describe in the same way - with Pogba and Ibrahimovic's names being put to him specifically.

Mourinho replied: "No. That was a different Premier League and situation - it was the best team by far. It was a different story.

"Not untouchable. Untouchable in our team has to be the spirit, the pride, the commitment to the club, the respect to the fans - that has to be untouchable, not players."

United captain Wayne Rooney has lost his place in the team, with the last four games having seen him only used as a substitute.

And Mourinho has refused to confirm whether Rooney will be returning to the starting line-up in tonight's Group 'A' match at Old Trafford.

"I don't want to give you the team, honestly," Mourinho said.

"Wayne is working well - he's one of the big responsible people for the atmosphere that the players can breathe because he's positive and a good example.

"We count on him, to start or be on the bench. He will be there."