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Wayne Rooney will remain as Manchester United captain after boss Jose Mourinho rang the Old Trafford star to map out the future, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

It's understood Mourinho rang the United captain on Friday before Rooney began his preparations for England’s 2-1 friendly win over Australia at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

And he assured 30-year-old Rooney that he still views him as United’s main man - and the key to a strong dressing room unity going forward.

The pair had an extensive chat about Mourinho’s transfer plans for the summer and he quizzed Rooney on his thoughts about what has been going wrong – and what United need going forward.

Mourinho sees Rooney as a vital component in tackling his job to restore United to their former glory in the same way he embraced Chelsea skipper John Terry in his first spell at Stamford Bridge.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Ed Sykes) (Image: Reuters / Andrew Yates)

Rooney’s own role in the team was discussed, although not at length. But with young strikers Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial bursting with pace, Rooney now sees his long term future at Old Trafford playing a deeper role rather than an out and out striker.

The United captain was dismayed he was deprived of the ball as an attacker under Louis van Gaal and under Mourinho would prefer more of a hands on role in creating chances and dictating play.

It’s understood Mourinho confirmed to Rooney his interest in striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and he has left those negotiations with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

(Image: Reuters)

READ MORE: Ronald Koeman blasts United over Mourinho/Van Gaal affair

Roma’s £28million-rated 24-year-old Greek centre-back Kostas Manolas is another star on Mourinho’s radar with United likely to miss out on Everton star John Stones.

Manchester City believe they are ahead in the race for the £40million-rated 22-year-old England centre back who was aggressively chased by Mourinho last summer when he was still in charge at Chelsea.

Mourinho would also like Brazilian midfielder Willian at United but recognises that will be a difficult deal to see through with Chelsea unwilling to trade any of their best stars to their former boss.

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