David Moyes has given the clearest indication yet that Wayne Rooney will be appointed Manchester United’s new captain next season.
With skipper Nemanja Vidic leaving for Inter Milan and uncertainty hanging over the Old Trafford future of Patrice Evra, Rooney has emerged as a clear favourite to be given the armband. The issue is understood to have been discussed before the striker signed a long-term deal last month.
Rooney was captain at Upton Park on Saturday in the absence of Vidic and Evra, an unused substitute, and replied with a superb two-goal performance crowned by a memorable strike from halfway. Moyes accepted that the extra responsibility appeared to have helped Rooney raise his game.
‘Wayne has led by example all season but maybe he took a wee bit of pride in wearing the armband to show exactly what it means,’ said the United boss.
‘He wants to take responsibility. It’s for him to show it and you have to say that he showed it. You get opportunities if you’re a player out of the team who suddenly gets a chance or if you become a key player and then get the chance to wear the armband and take that on. He did that.
‘I’ve said there will be no decision taken until next season. I thought Wayne picked up and did what he needed to do.
‘Wayne scored two goals and the first one was magic. It’s why you talk about players of his ilk more than others.’– Daily Mail