Michael Carrick was United’s previous club captain
José Mourinho had an array of options to choose from when selecting his new club captain, with many fans hoping Paul Pogba would be awarded the armband after the midfielder displayed his leadership skills in the World Cup for France.
But Pogba may have to wait a while longer, Mourinho has confirmed like Antonio Valencia will be Manchester United’s new club captain, after Michael Carrick announced his retirement from the game at the end of last season.
Mourinho confirmed the news after United’s pre-season friendly against Club America that ended 1-1.
“The captain was Valencia last season [when Carrick did not play] and I think he’s going to be the captain [this season],” Mourinho said.
He acknowledged that the squad has options too – suggesting the armband could be passed around.
“When he doesn’t play, we have to make decisions. It depends on who is on the pitch. If [Chris] Smalling is playing, if Ashley Young is playing, if [Ander] Herrera is on or [Juan] Mata is. If they are on the pitch they have an option.”
Valencia wore the armband for the majority of last season as Carrick took a back seat, spending most of the season on the bench. The Ecuadorian winger turned full-back is now the longest serving player in United’s first team squad, and despite not being the most vocal on the pitch, leads by example with an extremely professional attitude.
