Robin Van Persie to Be Rewarded with United Captaincy Next Term?

Netherlands and Manchester United star Robin van Persie could be in line to be named the Red Devils club captain next season, so long as compatriot Louis van Gaal becomes David Moyes' long-term successor.

With current captain Nemanja Vidic departing for Inter Milan this summer, as per BBC Sport, there will be a vacancy to be filled next season and the Dutchman has emerged as a potential candidate.

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Prior to the sacking of David Moyes, it was largely understood that England star Wayne Rooney would be set to inherit the armband from Vidic, as reported by the Guardian's Sachin Nakrani. However, that now looks unlikely, with Van Gaal pinpointing Van Persie as his preferred choice.

That is, of course, if Van Gaal is appointed as the new Manchester United boss. According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils confirmed late last week that the club has not struck any deal with the former Bayern Munich manager.

However, as per Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star, Van Gaal is “in pole position to take over at United on a £7m-a-year deal” and is already beginning preparations by deciding on his skipper for next term.

The choice of Van Persie would come as little surprise to anyone, as he and Van Gaal already have a very close friendship. The 30-year-old striker is one of the key men within Van Gaal's Netherlands squad and will be one of his country's brightest prospects at this summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Former Arsenal star Van Persie was inspirational during last season's title-winning campaign, in which he finished as the Premier League's leading scorer. Injuries have stalled his progress this season, but the Dutchman has still fired 15 goals in all competitions, according to WhoScored.com.

Van Gaal, as per UEFA.com, had already announced his decision to step down as national team boss nearly a year ago and has been hotly tipped to take over the Old Trafford helm from interim manager Ryan Giggs this summer.

The news caps a positive week for Robin van Persie, who has also been deemed fit to make his first-team comeback at Sunderland this weekend, according to Sky Sports' Pete O'Rourke.

Would Van Persie be the best man to take on Vidic's armband? Post your thoughts below.