Rooney named new Manchester United captain

Wayne Rooney has been named as Manchester United’s new
captain, with Darren Fletcher as vice-captain.
Speculation surrounding Louis van Gaal's skipper has swarmed
since Nemanja Vidic's switch to Inter in July, with the striker an
midfielder both wearing the armband during the club's pre-
season tour of the United States.
Rooney has previously outlined his aim to captain United to the
title this season as the 13-time Premier League champions look
to make amends for last season's seventh-placed finish and has
described his new responsibilities as "a huge honour".
"It is a huge honour for me - and for my family - to be named
captain of this great club," he told the club's official website. "It
is a role I will perform with great pride. 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."
Upon the confirmation, Van Gaal hailed Rooney's
professionalism and attitude since he took charge last month
and is keen for the striker to act as a role model to the younger
members of the squad.
"For me it's always very important the choice of captain," Van
Gaal said. "Wayne has shown a great attitude towards everythin
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 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 added: "I am delighted to have been named as vice-
captain. It's a very proud moment for me and my 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."