Louis van Gaal appointed Manchester United manager: Robin Van Persie set to be named United captain, not Wayne Rooney

Dutch pair have worked together at national level

New Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gaal, has given a big hint that he will appoint fellow countryman Robin Van Persie as skipper.

Van Persie is already skipper of the Dutch national side, currently managed by Van Gaal, and looks set to beat Wayne Rooney to the job in the new Old Trafford regime.

Read more: United confirm Van Gaal as manager
Giggs announces his retirement
Who is Louis van Gaal?

This would represent a departure from the doomed reign of previous boss David Moyes when it seemed certain that Wayne Rooney would assume the role left vacant by the departure of Nemanja Vidic.

Van Gaal singled Van Persie out for special praise following the striker's spectacular goal in his country's 1-1 draw in their World Cup warm-up against Ecuador.

"Even coming from a bad injury, he scores a fantastic, unbelievable goal, just brilliant," Van Gaal said after the forward's 37th-minute equaliser on Saturday.

VIDEO: Van Gaal confirmed as Man United manager

The Netherlands manager then went on to endorse his leadership qualities.

"I was happy with his performance, but he is also a fantastic captain — and that is important, too," said Van Gaal. "I think you always make a player captain when you have the same morals and philosophy as they do.

"Not only about football and tactics and what is happening on the pitch but about life as well.

Read more: Van Gaal's United transfer targets
Woodward promises to spend in transfer window
Cole backs experienced Van Gaal

"We click and I think that’s very important. I believe that Van Persie and Van Gaal share the same philosophy."