Rooney Is Not The Man To Captain United - Here's Why

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has recently expressed his desire to replace Inter-bound defender Nemanja Vidic as club captain. His performances on the pitch speak for themselves, as he is one of few who have consistently performed under David Moyes’ underachieving side this season. However, does his attitude off the pitch spark cause for concern?

It’s without doubt that Wayne Rooney is, and has been for years, one of the best players in the country. His determination on the pitch for Manchester United has recently seen him become the first player in Premier League history to reach double figures in both goals and assists in 5 different seasons. However, almost every season, United fans are concerned as to whether the 28-year cares about the club’s success as much as his own.

Last summer you’d have had to have been living underground for 3 months not to hear about Rooney’s reported desire to leave the club. The England international was heavily linked with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, but remained with the club under new manager David Moyes.

This isn’t the first time Rooney’s desire to play for the Premier League champions has been in question, and after signing a tasty new £300,000 contract this year, it’s difficult to ignore that the former Everton striker may only have been persuaded by the hefty paycheck on offer. After all, it can’t have been United’s results and performances under their new boss.

This makes me wonder whether in fact Rooney would be able to lift his teammates in the dressing room. A captain needs to be a leader off the pitch as well as on it, and if Moyes' side continue to struggle over the next season or so, it may be difficult for players to look up to a player who gets a pay rise every time he feels "angry and confused".

That being said, I have no doubt Rooney will remain at the club unless a huge offer comes in, and his quality as a player goes without saying. But, for a man who once sported the “once a blue, always a blue” motto, his actions during his time in a red shirt makes many question where his true loyalty lies.

In my opinion, that’s not captain material.

United fans, do you think Rooney should be leading your club?

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