Four players van Gaal could’ve named as skipper instead of Rooney.
There was a degree of concern this summer from Manchester United fans when Wayne Rooney was named as the new captain by Louis van Gaal, with much of it stemming from the player’s hotheaded nature on the pitch.
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These concerns were realised when Rooney was sent off during yesterday’s narrow win over West Ham for a ridiculous kick at Stewart Downing, whilst he was also seen berating team-mates after his poor clearance against Leicester led to a goal.
Would one of these four alternatives have been a better choice?
Robin van Persie
The Dutchman carried himself with class as captain for van Gaal at the World Cup and the two seem to have a solid relationship based upon mutual respect, whilst van Persie remains an important part of the side. With both Rooney and Falcao in the fold, however, he may not play every game, whilst his injury record could also see him ruled him out for a period of time.
Darren Fletcher
The Scottish international is captain for his country under Gordon Strachan and a player who commends respect both within the United dressing room and football as a whole. He has been far from a regular under van Gaal at the start of the season, however, despite his position as a defensive midfielder, something that United really lack, whilst appointing Fletcher would also be a short-term option, with his contract expiring next summer.
Jonny Evans
Despite the recent brouhaha about United’s defence, Evans is a top class centre back when he is fit and available – but that is the crux of the issue with the Northern Irishman. Van Gaal was rumoured to be considering Evans as his new skipper but, despite him being a good man for the job as a solid performer and a real United man, it would be a huge risk considering his injury record.
Michael Carrick
It remains to be seen whether van Gaal sees Carrick as an important member of his side once the former England international returns from injury, but as an elder statesman of the United team and a crucial part of their success over the last decade, he should certainly have been under consideration.