Wayne Rooney ruled out of Manchester United's game against Middlesbrough

[Devolz]

Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United's game against Middlesbrough as he continues to struggle with a thigh injury.

Rooney missed the Boxing Day game against Sunderland at Old Trafford and Jose Mourinho has confirmed the 31-year-old will also miss the home game against Middlesbrough on New Year's Eve.

"He's out," Mourinho confirmed, and when asked if there was any expected return date for Rooney, said: "No, there is not."

 

Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan produced a contender for goal of the season in their 3-1 win over Sunderland on Boxing Day

Mourinho worked alongside Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka at Real Madrid - and tomorrow they go up against each other for the first time.

A gap of 15 points exists between Boro in 15th and United, who are sixth after a run of four successive Premier League victories.

 

Jose Mourinho faces his former assistant at Real Madrid Aitor Karanka when Middlesbrough travel to Manchester United on Saturday

Despite the close friendship that exists between the two, Mourinho says it will be business as usual.

"He's my friend, he's a real friend of mine," he said. "I want him to win and he wants me to win so this will be the first time we don't want each other to win.