Wayne Rooney to lead Manchester United in Premier League opener but yet to prove to Louis van Gaal he is long-term captain

Rooney has two weeks to prove he can be Van Gaal's permanent captain

Dutch manager has concerns about Robin van Persie's fitness

Rooney has impressed his new manager during pre-season

Wayne Rooney has two weeks to convince Louis van Gaal he can be the next captain of Manchester United.



It is understood Rooney remains the front-runner to start the season as skipper because main captaincy rival Robin van Persie will not be match fit for the opening Barclay’s Premier League game against Swansea a week on Saturday.



Van Persie, who captained Van Gaal’s Holland team during the World Cup finals in Brazil this summer, returns to training today after a post-tournament break.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Van Persie to miss start of the season



Flying start: Rooney has made a good impression since Louis van Gaal joined Manchester United this summer

Chance to shine: Rooney has two weeks to prove to Van Gaal that he can be the United captain

Van Gaal has doubts about handing the club captaincy to Van Persie, 30, given that he is prone to injury and may not always play.



The same misgivings apply to other prime candidates - Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Jonny Evans.



VIDEO Van Persie to miss start of season

Point to prove: The England striker is favourite to lead United in their Premier League opener

Fitness doubt: Robin van Persie has a strong relationship with the manager but injuries might count against him

Rooney has impressed Van Gaal with his fitness and attitude during United’s two weeks in America. He plays in Monday’s International Champions Cup final against Liverpool in Miami.







