Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has claimed that he wants to be the new captain of Manchester United. After the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Rooney is one of the senior players at the club has been playing for them for a long time. The appointment of Louis van Gaal appeared to make Robin van Persie the number one striker at the club. The Dutchman has a great relationship with the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager, who is in charge of the Dutch national team now.
Rooney is at the peak of his career at 28 years of age, while van Persie has entered into his 30s. Since he has been playing for United since 2004 and has represented them in more than 400 matches, Rooney is the natural favourite to succeed from the former greats like Ferdinand and Vidic. However, after his official appointment, van Gaal hinted that van Persie may be his next captain. This has thrown the future of Rooney into question, as the England international had a lot of reservations before signing a new five-year contract last summer.
Rooney also stated that he will have no problem with the new manager giving van Persie the captaincy. Rooney was the top scorer for United last season with 19 goals.
“I am interested in the captaincy. I feel I am ready, but it’s the manager’s decision. I’ve captained United a few times and to get it on a full-time basis would be great. Robin is captain of his country, he has captained Arsenal and if he gets the nod, I’m sure he’ll do a great job. When a new manager comes in, you always feel you have to prove yourself over again. When we go back into training, it will be like a new start,” said Rooney.