Solskjer hints at united next captain

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he’s close to selecting the next captain of the club ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, with a number of candidates for the role.

Speaking at a press conference after the 1-0 victory over Kristiansund at the Ullevaal Stadium, the Norweigian manager was asked whether David De Gea, who wore the armband for the first 60 minutes, would get the responsibility on a permanent basis.

Club captain Antonio Valencia has departed and joined L.D.U. Quito, prompting the need for a new appointment, although Ashley Young, who skippered the side for the final half-hour in Oslo, regularly took on the leadership duties last term. “We’ve got different captain types,” explained the boss.

“There are vocal leaders and players like David, who has merit with what he’s done and he’ll play the majority of the games. We’ll announce something soon,” the United manager said. The Spanish goalkeeper has been the subject of a dicey contract situation in recent weeks but he is reported to be close to signing a new contract.

He has been asked about his interest in the captaincy role and he declared that he would be honoured to get the armband. “I’ve been captain for some games. It is amazing to be captain of a club like Manchester United and defend this badge so, of course, I’ll be really, really happy to captain,” De Gea said according Daily Telegraph.

“It’s my ninth season, I feel like one of the most experienced players. I need to show that on the pitch and try to help the young guys know what Manchester United means and that’s important.”

De Gea has been at the Premier League club since 2011 and been named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year on four occasions, while Young is a real presence in the dressing room, and joined United in the same year as the Spaniard.

Others to have captained the team during Ole’s reign include influential midfielder Paul Pogba, in the Emirates FA Cup tie against Wolves last season.

During the pre-season tour of 2019, Nemanja Matic led the team from the start for the first time in the International Champions Cup tie against Inter Milan and has the authority and presence required.

Also Juan Mata, who extended his stay with the Red Devils by signing fresh terms in the summer, has also been skipper and helped inspire the younger attacking players around him.

There are plenty of candidates for leading the side and, as has often been suggested, there needs to be numerous captains on the pitch and not just the man wearing the armband.

Whatever the Manchester United manager decides, it is set to be confirmed in the very near future as the Premier League campaign would be begin in a few days.