Rooney named captain as Fletch takes deputy role

Wayne Rooney has been named the new captain of Manchester United, succeeding Nemanja Vidic, whilst Darren Fletcher is to take on the role of vice-captain.

The announcement underlines the major change in fortunes enjoyed by both players in recent times.

Last summer, bookmakers favoured a move away from Old Trafford to Chelsea for Rooney.

However, the former Everton man ultimately proved a rare shining light in an otherwise disappointing campaign for United, grabbing 19 goals.

The England international replaces Vidic as skipper, following the Serbian’s exit for Inter Milan.

In 2010, Rooney was also heavily linked with a move away from United and publicly expressed his concerns over the club's ability to attract top players, but that would appear to be water under the bridge now.

Fletcher, meanwhile, played his first game for almost twelve months in December 2013, having undergone surgery related to his on-going ulcerative colitis.

He went onto make a further 18 appearances for United last season, and his selection as vice-captain indicates that the Scottish skipper is firmly in the plans of Louis van Gaal.

Many had anticipated that Robin van Persie was in line for the captaincy, given his close personal relationship with van Gaal, but the former Dutch boss has opted for two men that boast 769 MUFC appearances between them.