Rooney’s Ready: Why Striker Should Be Made Manchester United Captain

Enough has been said about United’s transition between managers this season and how they have to rebuild as a whole to reach glory once more. However, with the departure of captain Nemanja Vidic to Inter at the end of the season United will be in need of a new man to lead the side. Whilst he has a past of being controversial player, the man to step up and lead United next year is no other than Wayne Rooney.

Manchester United has struggled this year with the appointment of David Moyes. The team others would classify as a title threat has been struggling to find continuous form this Premier League season. Currently United sit seventh in the league and have just come off a disappointing 3-0 loss to rivals Liverpool. However, the only positive that came out of the game against Liverpool was Wayne Rooney’s performance and attitude for the whole 90 minutes.

This attitude continued in United’s come from behind aggregate victory against Olympiakos. As Rooney was linking up with Robin van Persie and United’s midfield to set up United’s attacking front. With United going through to the quarters of the Champions League, it will be paramount that Rooney keeps this attitude and form going if they are to stand a chance of survival.

Yet I believe that this new side of Rooney isn’t just a flash in the pan. Rooney has never been a part of a United side that has struggled to make top four, so with this realisation I believe it has pushed the striker to take a leadership role on the field. Especially with Vidic being out with various injuries. Rooney has shown the United faithful that he can be a leader and if David Moyes has been paying attention to Rooney’s current state the decision for captain next season will not be a tough one.

This will also benefit United if they are to name Rooney captain as it may entice him to stay at the club further. As if United don’t win Champions League, European qualification becomes almost impossible. This may see United’s top players looking elsewhere to pursue European football, which can make qualifying next year’s season even harder with the loss of key players.

Overall Rooney is showing critics that he is ready to lead United. If Manchester United were to name Rooney captain next year, you’ll soon see that Rooney will be the man to lead his side back to their former glory.

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