3 captaincy candidates Manchester United should buy this summer

Manchester United completed the signing of Wales youngster Daniel James a few days ago. While the former Swansea City player will be expected to solve the winger issues at the club, there are are a number of other pressing issues at the club which need be resolved by the end of this transfer window.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will also have to decide on the next captain of Manchester United before the start of the upcoming season. After the departure of Antonio Valencia, the likes of Ashley Young, Paul Pogba and even David De Gea are said to be in line to wear the captain's armband next season. Each of these players has an issue to deal with and hence, it is a tough decision for Solskjaer to pick his next captain. While Ashley Young has been in poor form, the futures of both Paul Pogba and David De Gea is unsettled at the club.

Although it is unlikely that any of the new signings could be given the armband immediately, here are 3 players with exceptional leadership skills whom Manchester United should sign this summer.

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#3 Hector Herrera

The Mexican is a free agent this summer

Manchester United are yet to replace both Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera in the squad. Apart from replacing these players, the club must also focus on bringing a quality midfielder to the squad to complement Paul Pogba.

Basically a box-to-box midfielder, Hector Herrera has been a prominent presence in Porto's midfield in the past few seasons. The Mexican is known for his dynamism and can be a good replacement for the outgoing Ander Herrera.

Hector Herrera has captained Porto for a few seasons and the 29-year-old is a free agent now. He also possesses experience at the biggest stage and hence, Manchester United must sign this player to boost the squad.

#2 Ivan Rakitic

Ivan Rakitic could play for Manchester United next season

Ivan Rakitic has been linked with a move to Manchester United in this transfer window. The talented midfielder is likely to lose game time to new signing Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona and hence, the talented player could be on the move this summer.

Apart from his experience on the field, Ivan Rakitic is a proven leader too. He was Sevilla's captain in the 2013-14 season and did well for the Spanish club. He helped his team lift the UEFA Europa League trophy that season thereby proving his credentials as a captain.

If Manchester United can sign the Croatian in the summer, they will be helped by the leadership skills in this player. Although he might not be announced as the captain immediately, Ivan Rakitic could definitely address the captaincy issues at Manchester United after he settles down at Old Trafford.

#1 Matthijs de Ligt

The young Dutchman captained Ajax in a few games in the recently concluded season

It has been a year since Matthijs de Ligt was announced as the captain of Ajax and the youngster has excelled in his role so far. The 19-year-old impressed everyone with his leadership skills especially in the knockout games of the UEFA Champions League.

The Dutchman is certain to leave his boyhood club this summer and European bigwigs such as Barcelona, Manchester United and PSG are said to be interested in him. However, it is Manchester United which would be interested the most in a player of such qualities.

Matthijs de Ligt has shown the world the wonderful skills he possesses as a complete defender. His clean tackling, accurate passes and ability to read the game have all made him a highly-rated player to look out for.

Manchester United needs a good defender to solve the issues at the back and the Ajax youngster could be a good pick. Matthijs de Ligt would definitely be a contender to become the captain at the club if he decides to wear the red shirt this summer.