Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal feels Wayne Rooney has improved both as a player and a leader since he took over the reins at Old Trafford in the summer.
Van Gaal named the England international as the Red Devils' captain after taking charge of United, and national team coach Roy Hodgson also followed suit, by appointing the 29-year-old as the Three Lions skipper soon after.
Rooney has been in fine form ever since, scoring 11 goals in 16 appearances for club and country, and has been the go-to man for both managers. And the Dutch tactician believes the forward has benefited from his decision to give him the armband, and also insists he can improve any player.
"Before I came here, of course, I had heard of his reputation. But, from the first day, he was not the Wayne Rooney that people had talked about. He was, in my eyes, a great example in training and, of course, he has achieved a certain level," Goal quoted van Gaal as saying.
"I think he shall always play with me, although, when he is in a bad moment, maybe I can be convinced to change him. But he is my captain now. He is the man who sets the example for the other players. So I'm very pleased. I have the impression that he lives for football and that he likes being the captain of Manchester United.
"Of course, being captain of England helps him to be a better captain of United. He has more experience. But I have to remind everyone that I put him first as captain. Roy Hodgson followed my advice. I can make every player better. I'm sorry. That's arrogant, but I can."
Rooney scored United's second goal in the club's 3-0 win over Hull City at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.
