Rooney left out of Europa League squad

LONDON: Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been left out of the 18-man squad travelling to face Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League today, the Premier Lea-gue club said.

With United fifth in the league table, six points off the top-four, the 30-year-old striker recently said that winning the Europa League or the FA Cup could save their disappointing season.

Combative midfielder Marouane Fellaini was another notable absentee and fullback Matteo Darmian will not be involved after dislocating his shoulder during Saturday’s 2-1 league defeat by Sunderland.

Louis van Gaal picked a young squad, including Regan Poole, Joe Riley and James Weir who could make their first-team debuts.

United fans will be the latest to protest against spiralling costs to watch live football when they travel to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League today.

Those travelling to Denmark are being asked to fork out £71 (RM428) to watch the match – that’s £49 (RM295) more than Southampton fans paid for their trip to the Danish champions in the Europa League playoff round in August.

Some fans have prepared a banner with the phrase: “Welcome to Scamdinavia” on it.

Around 800 United fans are expected to travel to watch their expensively-assembled side play in the 11,800-capacity MCH Arena.

“£71 to watch a Europa League game is extortionate,” said Andy Mitten, author and editor of fanzine United We Stand.

“Do they think United fans are three times wealthier than Southampton fans? Midtjylland are ripping fans off – their own and the 800 travelling fans.”