Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes that there is not a recognised leader among the current crop of players at Old Trafford, despite rumours that Robin van Persie will be appointed as the new captain.
The armband has been vacant since the departure of Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan at the end of last season, but Van Persie has been tipped to lead the Red Devils under new manager Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman, who works with the former Arsenal skipper at international level, made Van Persie Netherlands captain last June.
Cole told the Daily Star: "In previous years there's always been a candidate, but now you just don't know.
"Robin has only been at the football club for two years, and you look at that and you say well there's players that have been there for 10 years."
Wayne Rooney was tipped to be named captain under former manager David Moyes's reign.