Louis van Gaal has named Wayne Rooney the new captain of Manchester United.
After United's final pre-season friendly against Valencia, when Rooney rallied his side to a 2-1 win courtesy of Marouane Fellaini's late goal, van Gaal made the new announcement.
Rooney now takes over the role from Nemanja Vidic who had recently departed for Inter Milan in the summer. The England international is also keen to skippering the national side following the international retirement of Steven Gerrard.
Meanwhile, midfielder Darren Fletcher has been named as the club's vice-captain after van Gaal went through a tough decision handing a number of players the armband in the pre-season.
"It's a huge honor for me-and for my family-to be named captain of this great club. It is a role I will perform with great pride." Rooney told the club's official website.
Rooney added that he is grateful for their new manager and the faith that van Gaal has shown in hi. He said that team spirit is not their problem. As a matter of fact, it is one of the greatest edges that United has. Rooney is looking forward to captaining the team on Saturday at their first match for the season.
Van Gaal said: "For me it's always very important the choice of captain. 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."
Fletcher on the other hand is delighted as well to have been named as vice-captain of the team. This happening-he said-is a very proud moment for him and his family.
"Wayne and I have always worked well together and we will continue to work closely together in our new roles. I would like to thank the manager for putting his trust in me."
