Rooney poised to succeed Neville as Man U skipper

London, Jan 8 (ANI): Manchester United ace striker Wayne Rooney is poised to become the club's new captain next season.

The Sun reports that present captain Gary Neville, 34, will retire this summer.

Speculation is rife over Neville's future in the game, as his current contract expires in the summer and the Red Devils are yet to offer the veteran defender a new deal.

And United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Rooney is ready to take over the armband.

Ferguson sees the striker as one of United's most vocal players and somebody the others look to for inspiration.

He has said of Rooney in the past: "Wayne is determined, hungry and has a desire to do well. He always tries no matter how the team is playing. These are wonderful qualities for a captain. (ANI)