Reds' Leadership Credentials

Manchester United's club captain is always a man of great character and this summer, when Nemanja Vidic relinquishes the armband, the honour will be passed on to another worthy candidate.

While Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand have both deputised in recent years, a longer-term option looks set to be preferred. David Moyes says the job is "up for grabs" and as he recently explained, all applications will be carefully reviewed.

"We need to make sure the person who takes over knows what it means to the club, the responsibilities it carries and what is required of you", the manager said. "But we have a lot of leaders in the dressing room and they will all stake their claim."

Read our assessment of the top candidates to be United's next captain...

David De Gea At 23, the Spaniard is already a hugely experienced goalkeeper who has lifted major trophies with Atletico Madrid, United and Spain's Under-21s. Perhaps more crucially, our no.1 has a courageous personality that has allowed him to overcome a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, earning comparisons with the great Edwin van der Sar.

Jonny Evans A United fan in the first team, the academy graduate is arguably the perfect candidate and would undoubtedly relish the challenge. The Northern Irishman has a proven track record of rising to the task, having excelled at centre-back in the absences of Vidic and Ferdinand in recent seasons, and has been tipped to one day become Reds captain by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Phil Jones From Duncan Edwards to Franco Baresi, the versatile powerhouse has been likened to some of the greats and is often cited as a future leader. In fact, while playing for Blackburn in a 7-1 defeat to United, the sight of him berating his team-mates kick-started the Reds' mission to sign him. "Can he consistently play well and become United's captain in the next five years?" asks Phil Neville. "That is the challenge ahead for Phil."

Darren Fletcher As captain of Scotland, the 30-year-old is well-versed in the role and knows exactly what it takes to lead a team. He knows United, speaks intelligently and has a medal collection that demands respect from his peers. Having also overcome his battle with ulcerative colitis, the bowel condition that robbed him of two years' football, Fletch is also determined to make up for lost time with the club that he loves. Moyes trusts him – could he make him captain?

Wayne Rooney The talismanic striker has long been tipped to lead United on the field, having made his name as a player of great strength and courage. He's also worn the armband under Moyes, who has faith in his leadership abilities. "I think Wayne has always had the ability to be a captain," said the boss. "He's a natural and, in his own way, leads by example in what he tries to do. In future years, he could be the skipper."