Wayne Rooney has been named Manchester United captain by Louis van Gaal with Darren Fletcher becoming vice-captain. The striker has beaten Robin van Persie, who was Van Gaal's leader when in charge of Holland, to the position.

Rooney led the side in Tuesday evening's 2-1 win over Valencia at Old Trafford, the second time he had done so under the new manager. He takes over from Nemanja Vidic, who has left for Internazionale.

Van Gaal said: “For me it’s always very important the choice of captain. Wayne has shown a great attitude towards everything he does. I have been very impressed by his professionalism and his attitude to training and to my philosophy.

“He is a great inspiration to the younger members of the team and I believe he will put his heart and soul into his captaincy role. Darren Fletcher will become the vice-captain. Darren is a natural leader and will captain the team when Wayne isn’t playing Darren is a very experienced player and a very popular member of the dressing room, I know he will work well alongside Wayne.”

Rooney said: “It is a huge honour for me – and for my family – to be named captain of this great club. It is a role I will perform with great pride. Team spirit has always been very high in our dressing room and I am very grateful to the manager for the faith he has shown in me.”

I look forward to leading the team out on Saturday at our first match of the new season.”

Fletcher said: “I am delighted to have been named as vice-captain. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family.”

Van Gaal hopes to sign the Argentina defender Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon for €20 million and is renewing his interest in Angel di Maria after the Real Madrid forward's proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain fell through.

The Dutchman is also considering a move for Ajax’s Daley Blind , which underlines the manager’s determination to strengthen his squad considerably in the final days of the transfer window.

Guardian Service