Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says Wayne Rooney should be new Red Devils captain... but thinks Robin van Persie will get the armband

Former United star backs Rooney to get armband but has doubts

Paul Scholes lifts his final Premier League title at Manchester United (Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal should appoint Wayne Rooney as his new captain, according to Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes, but the former star believes Robin van Persie will be handed the armband.

The former Red Devil, who won eleven Premier League titles with the club, has recently been announced as part of BT Sport's punditry team ahead of the new season.

While Scholes believes former teammate Rooney is best suited to the role, he reckons van Gaal would prefer to go with his former Netherlands skipper.

The pair worked together recently at the World Cup in Brazil as the Dutch finished third after a collection of impressive displays against then-reigning world champions Spain and hosts Brazil.

"I think van Gaal will give it to Robin van Persie," he told talkSPORT.

"He’s had a lot of experience with him from Holland. He knows him well, knows him as a player, but personally I would probably go for Rooney.

"He’s always struck me as the type who could be a captain and now is the perfect time to give him the responsibility I know he is capable of taking.

Louis van Gaal during the pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Inter Milan at FedExField (GETTY IMAGES)

Unlike United's domestic rivals, Scholes doesn't think there is an immediate candidate to take the role.

"And the same goes for England. With both teams, there is not an outstanding candidate for the role.

"If you look at Manchester City, Kompany stands out a mile," he added.

"Look at Chelsea and John Terry stands out a mile. Look at Liverpool and Steven Gerrard stands out a mile. There isn’t really an obvious candidate for Manchester United or England.

"I’d like to see Wayne given that chance. Possibly I think he might get it for England, but I think Van Gaal might go for Robin."