Tom Cleverley has been named as Man Utd captain for the club's pre-season friendly against Roma in Denver. Louis Van Gaal named a relatively strong side with Phil Jones, Johnny Evans and Wayne Rooney all adequate candidates to take the armband. However, the Dutchman has opted for Cleverley, a decision which is sure to be questioned by some fans after the midfielder came in for strong criticism throughout David Moyes' spell in charge at Old Trafford.
#mufc XI vs @OfficialASRoma: Johnstone; Jones, Evans, Blackett; Valencia, Cleverley (c), Herrera, James, Welbeck; Mata, Rooney
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 26, 2014
Earlier, Cleverley had told United's official website that he felt he was a Van Gaal 'type of player'.
I watched the manager's Holland team in the World Cup and from that I think I'm going to be his type of player. I have to show that in training and most importantly games. I think there's a place for me but I have to prove it.
Those comments drew some criticism from fans who have yet to draw a line under Cleverley's performances last season. However, it seems that Van Gaal is willing to give Cleverley ample opportunity to impress in a leadership role.
Van Gaal's choice of an English captain for the game is also in keeping with comments from Juan Mata earlier in the day.
We (the squad) only speak in English. He (Van Gaal) says we have to speak in English.
With Van Gaal obviously favouring a home-grown approach, perhaps it's possible that Cleverley could be in the running to succeed Nemanja Vidic as United's permanent captain.
