Rooney ready for captain’s role

WAYNE Rooney is hoping to become the new Manchester United captain — but the striker insists he would have no problem if Robin van Persie was handed the armband instead.

One of Louis van Gaal’s biggest tasks when he takes over at Old Trafford after the World Cup is to appoint a new skipper.

Nemanja Vidic, who was captain since 2010, left the club to join Inter Milan at the end of the season while his vice–captain Patrice Evra also looks set to depart when his contract expires.

Many United fans want Rooney, who has been at the club for 10 years, to succeed Vidic, and the 28–year–old says he would be honoured to take on the role.

“I am interested in the captaincy,” said Rooney. “I’ve captained United a few times and to get it on a full–time basis would be great.”

Had David Moyes still been in charge, Rooney would have almost certainly taken over the armband.

But Van Gaal made Van Persie his Holland captain last year and he recently described the former Arsenal striker as a “fantastic” leader.