Paper Round: Jose Mourinho gives Wayne Rooney no way back

Jose Mourinho has told Wayne Rooney he needs to leave Manchester United if he ever wants a regular spot in a first XI again - reports The Sun. The United boss has told his captain that he can no longer guarantee him a starting spot, opening the door for Rooney's departure in January.

Paper Round's view: Even if Mourinho's Manchester United career collapses, at least he'll have this. Sir Alex Ferguson tried to get rid of Rooney years ago and failed, but the subsequent years have proved that Fergie was spot on - Rooney's time is over. United would be better served without him.

That's not to say that Rooney's not still an excellent footballer, capable of scoring goals and contributing at a high level. He's just not quite at Manchester United's level anymore... and it's about time somebody told him.

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke says it will be "very hard" to replace Wenger if the manager decides to leave Arsenal in the summer - reports the Metro. Wenger's contract with the club is up at the end of this season and the longest serving Premier League boss is expected to leave his post after 20 years of service. However, Kroenke's comments suggest that Wenger may still be interested in extending his stay at the club.

Paper Round's view: If Arsenal win the league then Wenger should walk. It would be the perfect way to cement his legacy at the club.

But such is the quality of his current squad that it's not hard to imagine the Frenchman being tempted to extend his contract... which would likely be to the detriment of all parties.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has urged Jose Mourinho to avoid a combative response to Manchester United's current problems - reports the Mirror. United were hammered 4-0 by Mourinho's former club Chelsea at the weekend, cranking up the pressure on a manager who has a tendency to make big and volatile reactions after damaging defeats. But Xavi hopes that won't be the case, saying:

Paper Round's view: Xavi is talking sense, but he's also digging the knife in to a former adversary when he's down. It's what Barcelona's critics claim they always do: grab the moral high ground, but act in an equally deceptive way... just with more craft behind it.

Whatever his motives are, Xavi isn't wrong. Mourinho would do well to remember what's happened previously when he's attempted the scorched earth policy. Maybe a new, gentle approach would be more wise at Old Trafford.