Sport

Captain Wayne? Manchester United boss David Moyes hints at skipper role for in-form Rooney

By Scott Hunt

Captain Rooney could be the future of Manchester United as boss David Moyes hailed the striker’s leadership potential.

Rooney netted in United’s 3-1 defeat of Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday and Moyes believes the striker has all the qualities to lead the Reds.

As well adding to his goal tally Rooney also grabbed an assist in a rampant first half for United.

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

“He leads by example in what he tries to do. I think he could be a future skipper here.”

United took the lead after nine minutes as Rooney squared for Antonio Valencia to tap into an empty net.

Robin van Persie doubled United’s advantage as he latched onto an Adnan Januzaj through ball to fire home left footed.

Rooney then got on the scoresheet himself, tapping into an empty net from a Van Persie pass, as United went 3-0 up inside 25 minutes.

Fulham pulled one back in the second half, as Alexander Kacaniklic hit the shot which deflected off Rooney and past David De Gea.

United hung on to claim all three points and the manager hailed the partnership between van Persie and Rooney.

“I think when those two are firing then they are the best – I really do,” Moyes said.

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

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

United remain eight points off Premier League leaders Arsenal and currently sit eighth in the table.

Victory at Fulham takes it to seven games unbeaten in all competitions for United, who are looking to recover from their sluggish start to the season. 

Image courtesy of ITV Sport via YouTube, with thanks

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