Van Gaal: Van Persie is my captain

Manchester United manager-to-be Louis van Gaal has given a clear indication that Robin van Persie will be handed the captain's armband when he takes over at Old Trafford.

The striker has been Netherlands skipper for the past year and a half and demonstrated his authority with a brilliant volley in his country's 1-1 draw with Ecuador earlier this week.

And Van Gaal later claimed that he and his star man are on the same wavelength, both on and off the pitch.

"He is my captain," he said. "He is my top scorer in the one-and-a-half years that he has played under me. He became all-time top scorer of the Dutch team, he plays superb football and even coming back from a bad injury, he scores a fantastic, unbelievable goal.

"I was happy with his performance, but he is also a fantastic captain. I think you always make a player captain when you have the same morals and philosophy.

"Not only about football and tactics and what is happening on the pitch but about life. I think that’s very important and I believe that Van Persie and Van Gaal share the same philosophy."

Van Persie refused to be drawn on the identity of David Moyes' successor at Old Trafford but did suggest that the future at the club is bright, despite this season's seventh-placed finish.

"I followed everything from a distance, as the club had allowed me to do my rehab in Holland,” he said. “It was good to have some distance because it has been a tough year.

"For the first time in my career, I won’t be playing in Europe.

"It was a huge difference between this season and the last one, but it’s our job to switch a button now. Everything is going to be all right with the club."

Van Gaal could be announced as United boss over the coming days.

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Moyes : Rooney & Van Persie the best stikers in world

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are the best strike partnership in the world.

The England international and the Dutchman have scored 14 goals between them this season, although United sit eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after nine games.

But Moyes believes the pair are still to reach their peak this season and claims that when they do, the partnership will be unrivalled in the Premier League.

Wayne and Robin, on their day, will be a match for any player anywhere in the world, never mind just in this country,” the Scot told reporters.

“So I think when those two are firing, then they are the best, I really do. I see that. I think they’re both incredibly talented, both natural goalscorers.

“As footballers they both can probably play in several different positions because of their ability. So I’m looking forward to those two firing.

“And when we hit a real run those two will be something to rival, they really will.”

Moyes also claims Rooney possesses the attributes of a captain but admits he is unlikely to be given the United armband ahead of Nemanja Vidic.

“Wayne has certainly always had the ability to be a captain,” Moyes said.

“He’s got a love of football which is the biggest thing. He loves the game, he loves the ball and kicking around, it’s natural to him.

“If you’ve got that then you’ve got leadership. And in his own way he leads by example in what he tries to do. I think he could be a future skipper here.

“But I’ve not got any reason to change. I’m happy. Vida, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand – all of the really experienced boys are great behind the scenes and captains in their own right.

“Vida wears the armband, but I use them all for their guidance and experience.”

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