Manchester United

Peter Schmeichel backs Wayne Rooney for Manchester United captaincy

By Alex Meyers, Reporter | 05 August 2014

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel says that Wayne Rooney's experience and importance to the Red Devils means that he should be the club's new captain.

Peter Schmeichel has said that Wayne Rooney is the "obvious choice" to take over the captaincy at Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal is yet to name which player will take over the armband for the new season, following Nemanja Vidic's exit from the club.

Rooney is seen as one of the frontrunners for the role and he was named the skipper for the club's 3-1 win over Liverpool on Monday.

Former United goalkeeper Schmeichel has claimed that Rooney is the standout option to take over as captain, given his experience and importance to the team.

"What I really like about Rooney is his attitude towards playing for United," he told Sky Sports News. "Wherever the manager tells him to play he will do that with a smile on his face.

"He realises his importance to the team and if he has to play in midfield, it's for the team. You get that with experience and matureness. So I think he's the obvious choice for the captaincy."

Rooney is also thought be in the running for the England captaincy, following Steven Gerrard's retirement from international football.