London, July 13 : England footballer Wayne Rooney believes his record makes him the stand-out candidate for Manchester United captaincy, with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand gone and Ryan Giggs retired.

However, he has indicated to friends that he will back the ManU boss Louis van Gaal, and Van Persie if the Dutchman gets the armband.

The England international believes his 10 years at the club and senior status should ensure he will be the new ManU skipper ahead of Robin van Persie. Van Gaal, the replacement for sacked David Moyes, will face one of the biggest decisions of his managerial career when he walks into the club on Tuesday to take -control of the fallen champions.

If he picks his Dutch World Cup leader Van Persie it will trigger speculation that Rooney's future is under threat, and that will plunge the club into a sideshow Van Gaal could do without as he attempts to get them back on track.

Van Gaal will speak with Rooney for the first time this week. Although, Rooney has set his heart on the captaincy, but he will accept the new manager's decision, having signed a new 300,000 pounds-a-week deal just last season.

Rooney believes Van Gaal will act for the good of the team, and he is crossing his fingers the forthright Dutchman will recognize that he is the man to follow Vidic as captain. (ANI)