Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho DROPPED David de Gea for victory at Sunderland, it has been revealed.

The Sun says Mourinho blamed a minor hip problem for De Gea's absence from the win at the Stadium of Light.

But well-connected sources claim de Gea's recent performances and his reaction to being criticised by Mourinho were the key factors in Sergio Romero taking his place at the Stadium of Light.

The United manager is said to have made no secret in private of his frustration with De Gea's displays over the past month.

And when the Spaniard took exception to being called out, Mourinho decided to give Romero the nod for the Sunderland game.