Wayne Rooney called Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision to rest key Nottingham Forest players for the FA Cup quarter-final tie at Brighton “beyond belief”.
Both Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been named on the bench for the match, which kicked off at 5.15pm.
Danilo and Ryan Yates came into the line-up, with Taiwo Awoniyi also in the starting XI after star striker Chris Wood was ruled out with a hip injury.
Forest are currently third in the Premier League, and with a Champions League place in their own hands, Nuno’s decision suggested his priorities lie away from the FA Cup.
They host Manchester United in the league on Tuesday, and former England captain Rooney was critical of the decision to field a weakened side on Saturday evening.
“I’m shocked,” Rooney said on BBC. “The FA Cup is such a prestigious tournament. To rest players in a quarter-final when you’ve got a great opportunity to get to a semi-final.
“They’re trying to get Champions League football which is fine, it’s great, but as a player you want to play and you want momentum, to keep trying to win games.
“If I was a fan I’d be fuming. You want to win silverware and this is a great opportunity. To leave players out when you’re not guaranteed to win the game Tuesday, it’s beyond belief.”
Addressing his team selection before kick-off, Nuno said: “The cup is always a good chance for players who are working hard but not had minutes in the league. These players deserve their moments.”
When asked by Gary Lineker for his prediction ahead of the match, Rooney then said Nuno’s decision would play a key factor.
“I think Nuno has shown his priority is the Premier League and that will run through to the players, so I think Brighton will win,” Rooney said.
More to follow.
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