Rooney, who is third in the club’s all-time scoring list with 216 goals, expressed his desire to wear the United armband permanently following the appointment of Van Gaal at the helm.
Robin van Persie was mooted as the likely successor to former Red Devils skipper Nemanja Vidic, having led the Netherlands during Van Gaal’s tenure, which ended after the World Cup.
However, the Dutch tactician is considering all his options, and after seeing Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Rooney all perform the role on their pre-season tour to the United States, he would favour a homegrown leader.
Speaking after his side’s 3-1 win over Liverpool in the International Champions Cup final on Monday, where Rooney scored as captain, Van Gaal said: “I’m always looking for opportunities to give players the captain’s armband.
“Today, Rooney played 90 minutes for the first time. Fletcher has already done it twice and therefore he was the captain. Cleverley also played 90 minutes.
“I think you have to choose, when it is possible, the English style. That is when it is possible.”
Vidic and Eric Cantona are the only two foreigners have ever had the privilege of be named United captain in the club’s history.
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