Antonio Valencia to Replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United's Captain

Jose Mourinho will hand the captain's armband to Antonio Valencia at Manchester United this season now Michael Carrick has retired from the playing staff. 

Mourinho confirmed his decision, per Paul Hirst of The Times: "The captain was Valencia last season [when Carrick did not play], and I think he's going to be captain [this season]."

While he downplayed the importance of the captaincy, Mourinho did emphasise his desire to have somebody ingrained in the club take on the responsibility, even when the first choice isn't available:

Even so, not everybody agreed with the decision, with some offering a more high-profile alternative:

Giving Valencia the extra responsibility means Mourinho is once again trusting one of the senior members of his squad with the key leadership role. Carrick was skipper last season at 35, while Valencia will turn 33 before United's Premier League season opener at home to Leicester on Friday, August 10.

The Ecuador international has been at Old Trafford since 2009. Unlike Carrick, who was no longer a first-team regular during his final campaign in the red half of Manchester, Valencia is likely to remain a fixture of Mourinho's preferred starting XI, although he will face some competition from new signing Diogo Dalot.

Valencia started 35 games in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing an assist as United's right-back of choice. It's clear Mourinho has opted for continuity after Carrick outlined his plans to join the coaching staff.