José Mourinho says that Wayne Rooney was merely showing his frustration at not being awarded a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

The England international was pictured showing his frustration on the bench. It was thought as a direct reaction for being substituted by the manager. However, it may not be the case after all, as Mourinho says that Rooney has cleared up the air by stating that it was frustration for United not receiving a penalty just before he was substituted. United were drawing the game 1-1, but ended up winning the match 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Paul Pogba had earlier given United advantage before being taken aback by James McArthur equaliser in the second half. Rooney was one of the surprise starters in the game, as Mourinho did not seem to favour the England international match this season.

In the midweek action, Marcus Rashford was being brought on as a replacement for Rooney only in the 80th minute. The referee was one of the talking points in the game, as United felt that they were not being given the rub of the green throughout the game. United held on for a victory which would be their third consecutive league success for only the second time this season.

"He was angry with a possible penalty. He was complaining with the referee on the pitch, he was complaining with the fourth official on the bench, he was really upset with it, but even at 1-1 I told him 'Forget it, let's forget it.'No, I didn't [the handball]. I didn't see. The only thing I can say is the referee is good, he's good. He is one of the good young referees and I like his work, if he made mistakes, unlucky for him and unlucky for us but he is a very good referee and you have to support,” said Mourinho.