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The end of the 2017/18 season will see Manchester United club captain and legend Michael Carrick hang up his boots. He will call time on a remarkable career that includes 5 Premier League titles and is set for a coaching role at the club in the youth set-up.
Seeking a suitable replacement for the calm and composed midfield maestro will be a tough decision. Not only will United need a new midfielder with the same ability, a worthy leader is also required.
With senior players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney no longer at the club, experienced players are few. Choosing the right captain could be key to deciding the success of Jose Mourinho's men next season.
#5 Ander Herrera
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The Basque midfielder enjoyed a fine campaign last season, winning the Europa League and the League Cup. On an individual level, he won the United player of the year award.
He is popular among fans for his strong passion for the team and is often seen barking out instructions. A willing warrior who can carry tactical instructions with ease, he is also blessed with a great presence of mind.
HIs leadership ability was seen during the Europa League final last season where he overruled tactical instructions to switch places with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, which led to the latter's decisive goal.
However, the arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea along with a succession of injuries has seen his game time drastically reduce and he is being tipped by many to leave Old Trafford.
Should he decide to stay, Mourinho could be tempted to make him captain.
#4 Paul Pogba
The £89 million man was the stand-in captain for the game against Leicester City with Jose earmarking him as a future captain. Being a vocal presence in the United midfield, he is a candidate to replace Michael Carrick.
With Mourinho looking to build a team around the Frenchman, the 25-year-old has the potential and arrogance to follow in the footsteps of former captains like Roy Keane and Bryan Robson who played in midfield. Being a former youth player, he would be a popular choice among fans. Making him skipper would end any suggestions of a player-manager rift as well.
However, on the downside, handing Pogba the captaincy could possibly add baggage to a player already weighed down by his price tag.
#3 Chris Smalling
Being dismissed by many, following the transfer of Victor Lindelof, Smalling has proved his doubters wrong, playing in 23 Premier League games this season.
An experienced campaigner, the 28-year-old central defender has been at the club since 2010 and has featured in over 200 games.
At 6 ft 4 in, he is a dominating presence in the air and is by far the most experienced centre-back in the team. Though slightly rash at times, Smalling has been captain quite a few times in the past.
If Mourinho decides on a centre-back as captain, "Mike" is the obvious choice!
#2 David de Gea
The Spaniard has gone on to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world since his transfer to United in 2011. He has undoubtedly been United's best player during the post-Ferguson era. Having been a part of over 300 games, de Gea has won 3 club player of the year awards in the process.
Though goalkeepers are rarely chosen as captain, it is not entirely uncommon with Hugo Lloris, Lev Yashin, Peter Shilton and Gianluigi Buffon being notable examples. De Gea briefly wore the armband in the latter stages of a league cup match for the Red Devils.
United plan on handing Dave a long-term contract that would make him the best-paid goalkeeper in the world. Making the 27-year-old captain would also end any possible hopes that Real Madrid harbour of acquiring his services.
#1 Antonio Valencia
Jose Mourinho's trusted lieutenant is considered the favourite to inherit the armband. He has captained the side for the majority of the ongoing season, in the absence of Carrick. He also serves as captain for the Ecuadorian national team. Next season, he will be the longest-serving player at the club, almost 10 seasons since his transfer from Wigan Athletic.
The 32-year-old Ecuadorian has been a consistent performer for the past few seasons. He initially joined the club as a winger and won the club Players' player of the year award at the end of the 2011/12 season.
He has undergone the transition from tricky winger to one of the best right-backs in the world and once again won the Players' player of the year award in 2016/17.
Valencia is not all that vocal but Mourinho sees him as a role model who "leads" through his performances, consistently putting in hard work. He was lauded by his coach for playing through pain and injury at times. He was recently described by his manager as "the best right back I can have".
His high work rate and vast experience make him the obvious favourite.
