Manchester United: Who Should Captain United During Wayne Rooney's Suspension?

Despite scraping out a 2-1 win vs. West Ham and inching their way towards progress, Manchester United were dealt a major blow when captain Wayne Rooney was sent off after a rash challenge on Stewart Downing.

Aside from losing his offensive prowess, United will be without his leadership, or "fake leadership," as ESPN FC's Alejandro Moreno calls it. 

While Moreno's criticism is harsh, it is actually quite accurate and brings up vital points about Louis Van Gaal's squad.

Though Rooney is a very talented player, he doesn't seem to be mentally equipped to serve as a captain and lead his teammates, and one could argue that his captaincy has come almost completely based on his playing ability alone rather than his leadership.

If Robin van Persie, or new boy Radamel Falcao were handed the captain's armband, the same argument would be made. United have plenty of talented players, but many of those talents lack the intangibles to lead.

On the other hand, United have a couple of candidates that could lead, but they don't possess the same level of talent as Rooney or Van Persie.

Michael Carrick has been around the club long enough to lead youngsters, but he is a shell of his former self and is currently injured.

Moreover, vice-captain Darren Fletcher has the ability to lead but might not even deserve to be picked by Van Gaal. It's one thing if he legitimately sees Fletcher as the No. 1 option to fill in for the injured Ander Herrera; it's another if he's only playing him because he feels he has the ability to lead as captain.

Ultimately Fletcher's potential transition from benchwarmer to maestro would seem a bit hasty, and United should look to a certain player whose selection this weekend is certain: David de Gea.

Despite being a ripe 23 years old, the Spaniard is already in his fourth year at the club, progressing into one of the world's finest goalkeepers in that time. 

Though he hasn't been aided very much by his back line this season, De Gea is a consistent performer and a worthy captain as one of the team's leaders and best players.

While some prefer a captain to be in the center of defense or midfield, De Gea will have a prime view of the field from his goal from which to direct, and it is probably not worth starting Fletcher or Carrick solely for their leadership qualities and experience.

Most clubs do not give the captain's armband to a goalie—but most clubs do not have the lack of leadership United have.

De Gea is capable and deserving of this role.

Stats and info via ESPNFC.