The evident close relationship between Louis Van Gaal and striker Robin Van Persie, has led to many people claiming that the Dutch forward is certain to be announced Manchester United captain, when the Dutch pair return from the World Cup in Brazil.
While Robin Van Persie’s only real competitor to the arm band being fellow striker Wayne Rooney, it seems that the armband will be going to the Dutch hit man due to his close relationship with incoming coach Van Gaal. Especially since it is a World Cup year meaning, Wayne Rooney will not be able to strike a relationship up with the manager for at least another two weeks, by then pre-season will already be underway.
Many Manchester United fans will be happy with the proposed captain of the club, with many stating if he is happy he is one of the best strikers in the world. A view backed up by the fact he was the major influence in Manchester United winning the Premier League two seasons ago, with his 26 goals in 38 appearances in the league making him the league’s top goal scorer that season. Last year in a turbulent year with public fall outs with the manager David Moyes, several reoccurring injuries and the side playing particularly poorly he still managed to score 12 goals in 21 league games, 18 in 28 games in all competitions.
But not everyone agrees that the Dutch striker should be made the Manchester United captain. Former player Andy Cole, who was a vital part in Manchester United’s historic treble winning season back in 1999, states that Van Persie should not be the new captain after the departure of Vidic last season.
"Robin has only been at the football club for two years,"
"Some players have been there for 10 years, a part of Manchester United's history."
Cole clearly believes that players who have been at the club for a longer period deserve to be the captain rather than a relatively new player. This is quite an old fashioned view by the ex-United striker, but the reality is he does have a point. Players such as Van Persie have complete respect from all the fans and other players, with players often quoting Van Persie as a great man to play with due to his talent and experiences. But to be a captain many feel that you need to ingrain into the club, after many years at the club such. Prime players for this would be Wayne Rooney or a midfield player like Carrick. However Carrick may not be a regular in the team next season leaving just Rooney, when the choice is that some fans would not be pleased if he is made captain due to his multiple attempts to leave the club throughout the years.
It is now down to Van Gaal on who he will choose, but will he take into account the fans views or just choose a player he thinks is most suited? The coming weeks will show.