The Dutchman’s departure from Old Trafford looks to be gaining credibility.
Reports last week circulated that Robin van Persie wanted a return to Arsenal and now Manchester United have left the striker off their official next captain list.
Current skipper Nemanja Vidic has confirmed that he will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of this season and therefore the search is on for a replacement.
Van Persie previously had the armband for the Gunners and as one of the most experienced players at United, would have been thought of by most as a candidate.
However, an article on the Premier League champions’ official website names David de Gea, Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher, Phil Jones and Wayne Rooney as the potential successors to Vidic.
Both de Gea and Jones are under the age of 24, whilst Evans has only recently emerged as a first team regular and Fletcher has missed the best part of two years with a bowel problem.
Whilst Rooney has always been the favourite to take over from Vidic – if the 28-year-old signs a new contract and extends his stay until 2018 – the fact van Persie isn’t even considered could come as a worry to Red Devils fans.
The Netherlands international is thought to have become disillusioned at the Theatre of Dreams since David Moyes took over as manager in the summer of 2013.
Van Persie arrived from north London 12 months earlier in a £24m deal and whilst the forward helped the club regain the English crown, the 30-year-old was not aware Sir Alex Ferguson would be retiring.
That, coupled with what the Dutchman perceives as Moyes’ archaic training methods, has prompted the attacker to want a return to the Emirates Stadium.
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