Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has named Wayne Rooney as their new captain.
Van Gaal made the announcement following United’s final pre-season friendly against Valencia, when Rooney skippered the side to a 2-1 victory courtesy of Marouane Fellaini’s late goal.
Wayne Rooney named the new captain of Manchester United
The 28-year-old England international striker replaces Nemanja Vidic, who has left the club for Inter Milan.
Scotland international Midfielder Darren Fletcher has been named as the club’s vice-captain after Van Gaal handed a number of different players the armband in pre-season.
Fletcher's appointment as vice-captain comes after his entire career was in doubt 18 months ago with chronic bowel disease
Rooney will captain Manchester United in the Premier League opener against Swansea City at Old Trafford on 16 August.
Rooney told the club’s official website: "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."
Van Gaal added: "For me it's always very important the choice of captain. Wayne has shown a great attitude towards everything he does.
Prior to Vidic, Gary Neville had the job, which has been held by such notable United old boys as Sir Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Roy Keane.
Rooney has won five Premier League titles in his time at United, in addition to the Champions League in 2008. He currently stands third - behind Charlton and Denis Law - on the list of all-time top scorers at the club with 216.
Fletcher's appointment comes after his entire career was in doubt 18 months ago because of suffering from chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis.
The Scot had surgery to have part of his bowel removed and only returned to action in December.
"It's a very proud moment for me and my family," said Fletcher, 30.
"Wayne and I have always worked well together and we will continue to work closely together in our new roles."
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