BRYAN Robson expects Louis van Gaal to snub Wayne Rooney and appoint Robin van Persie as his Manchester United captain next season.

Last week the new Old Trafford boss said he'd take time to decide who would take the armband following the departure of Nemanja Vidic.

United legend Robson, though, believes the Dutchman has already made up his mind to give the honour to the skipper of his Holland squad at the recent World Cup.

That would mean England star Rooney missing out after 10 years with the club.

Robson explained: "Robin was his captain in Brazil so he is an obvious choice. I would be really surprised if van Gaal didn't give him the United armband."

Robson believes that Holland's run to the last four of the World Cup bodes well for United.

He said: "Van Gaal has been a winner all his coaching career, so hopefully he'll install that back into the club.

"In the World Cup Holland were very good. Tactically they were really well-drilled."

Van Gaal has put his squad through tough training sessions since landing in Los Angeles, where United play LA Galaxy on Wednesday.

Robson believes the pain of last year's dismal seventh-place finish under David Moyes will drive the players on.

The ex-midfielder, who played 461 times for United, said: "I know a the players were really gutted and will want to bounce back and prove they can win things."

Robson thinks United could fall short unless they sign a top-quality replacement after losing Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and possibly Patrice Evra.

He added: "When you lose three class defenders like that you need to bring in a top-drawer centre-half. That would give United a chance of winning the title."