by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, has announced that Wayne Rooney will replace Nemanja Vidic, as the club’s new captain, while Darren Fletcher will be vice-captain.

This decision puts to bed speculations that Van Gaal will favour his fellow Dutchman Robin van Persie for the role. Van Persie captained Holland under Van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup, but the coach has explained why he handed over the armband to the British duo.

“For me it’s always very important the choice of captain,” he said. “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.”

Wayne Rooney said it was a big honour for him to be named skipper of the Red Devils, ahead of the 2014/2015 season.

“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. 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.”

Darren 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.”

ifreke

Ifreke Inyang is a public commentator and social media critic who has worked with a number of high profile publications across the country.