Manchester United: Wayne Rooney named as new captain

The Premier League club Manchester United have confirmed Wayne Rooney as the club’s new captain for the coming season, replacing the legendary defender Nemanja Vidic – who left for Serie A giants Inter Milan.

BREAKING: We can announce @WayneRooney is #mufc‘s new captain. Darren Fletcher vice-captain. http://t.co/hTVFL8ETJw pic.twitter.com/yyp65grlaJ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 12, 2014

The England international has been at Old Trafford since 2004 from Everton. During his 10-years with the Red Devils – he has won five Premier League titles, Champions League in 2008, two League Cups and one Club World Cup.

“It is a huge honour for me – and for my family – to be named captain of this great club,” said Rooney. “I am very grateful to the manager for the faith he has shown in me.”

The 28-year-old forward is the United’s third highest goalscorer of all time behind club legends Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, scoring 216 goals in 442 games.

Meanwhile, it was also announced that the Scottish Darren Fletcher has been appointed as vice-captain by Louis van Gaal following the departure of Patrice Evra to Juventus.

The 30-year-old midfielder told the club’s official website: “I am delighted to have been named as vice-captain. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family.”