Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Wayne Rooney eager to be captain

Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he is eager to take over as Manchester United captain, ahead of a season that he believes could end with the Premier League title returning to Old Trafford.

Robin van Persie, Darren Fletcher and Rooney are believed to be the three leading contenders to be awarded the captain's armband by new United boss Louis van Gaal, following the departure of Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan this summer.

An upbeat Rooney was speaking to reporters covering United's pre-season tour of America, when he responded to questions over his hopes of becoming the next United skipper.

"Of course I would like the captaincy but it's the manager's decision who he chooses," said Rooney, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. "I think he wants to work with the players and then choose a captain from there.

"I don't think he was ever going to just walk in and choose a player from the off. I'm sure he will look at the players now and make his decision in a couple of weeks."

Rooney then discussed his hopes for next season and he set the bar high when he suggested the Premier League title should be in United's sights, despite their disappointing seventh placed finish last season.

"We can win the title," he said. "Last season was a bad one, we know that, but we are confident we can put it right. We have to believe we can win the title."

Rooney went on to lavish praise on the impact Van Gaal has made in his first few days in charge of United, with the England striker clearly relishing the chance to link up with the Dutch tactician.

"Louis van Gaal has been great. I've only had a few days but he's a strong guy who has been good in training and it's been enjoyable," he added. "He is bringing in a new style of play and wants us all to adapt to that and that's been enjoyable.

"He's very honest in training. If you are not doing well in training he will tell you but if you do well he will praise you. If you aren't doing things right in training you need to know so that you can put them right."

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will meet up with Van Gaal and his squad when they touch down in Washington next week.

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