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Manchester United: Who Will Be the Club’s Next Captain?

By Luke Hambleton

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 24: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United celebrates victory following the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 24: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United celebrates victory following the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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With Wayne Rooney likely leaving Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho will have to choose another captain for the Red Devils. Even if Rooney stays, Mourinho may hand the armband to someone who will be on the field almost every match.

In the course of the season, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, and Marouane Fellaini were all handed the captain’s armband. As Carrick may be in his last season, the veteran midfielder will unlikely receive the captaincy. Smalling and Rooney may both be shown the exit door this summer by Mourinho, so neither of them will likely carry out the role.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /

That leaves Valencia and Fellaini. United seems to be heavily pursuing Fabinho, which would see Fellaini fall down the pecking order. This makes it unlikely the Belgian would take over Rooney. On the other hand, Valencia is definitely a mainstay at the right back position for United. Mourinho has coined him as the best right back in the world, as well as praising him as a leader. The Ecuadorian could likely receive the honor of captain next campaign.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts after the EFL Cup Final match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts after the EFL Cup Final match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Although, there are other candidates as well. Valencia is 31 and does not have many more years ahead of him at United. Mourinho may look to another individual who is younger and may grow into the captain’s role. There has been suggestions that Paul Pogba could be considered as the club captain. Also, Ander Herrera has shown how much of a passion he has for the club and has definitely shown he is a leader. Either one of these players are strong candidates for the position of captain.

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Nothing is for certain about next season’s captain. Mourinho could stick with Rooney if the veteran attacker stays on at United. He definitely has the experience and is a club legend. He could look to Michael Carrick, if the current skipper leaves as he was vice-captain under Louis Van Gaal. One thing is for certain and that is that nobody has any certainty of who will wear the armband next season. A good guess would be Antonio Valencia or Paul Pogba, but it is up to Jose Mourinho. Manchester United fans will definitely be looking out for the manager’s decision of who is going to be leading the team out next season.

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