Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has decided to make Wayne Rooney the captain of the club for the fortcoming season.
Rooney takes over from Nemanja Vidic, who has left for Inter Milan, and will wear the armband permanently during United’s campaign next year.
The Dutch boss revealed his decision to MUTV after a 2-1 home debut victory against Spanish side Valencia.
“For me it’s always very important the choice of captain,” the Dutchman told the club’s official website. “Wayne has shown a great attitude towards everything he does.
“I have been very impressed by his professionalism and his attitude to training and to my philosophy. He is a great inspiration to the younger members of the team and I believe he will put his heart and soul into his captaincy role.
“Darren Fletcher will become the vice-captain. Darren is a natural leader and will captain the team when Wayne isn’t playing. Darren is a very experienced player and a very popular member of the dressing room, I know he will work well alongside Wayne.”
Rooney himself has been ecstatic with the decision, having tipped favourite Robin Van Persie to the armband.
“It is a huge honour for me – and for my family – to be named captain of this great club. It is a role I will perform with great pride,” he said.
“Team spirit has always been very high in our dressing room and I am very grateful to the manager for the faith he has shown in me.
“I look forward to leading the team out on Saturday at our first match of the new season.”
For many fans it is a delight to see Darren Fletcher step up in his role at the club, after coming through from his struggle with chronic bowell disease ulcerative collitis.
By Ollie Brown
