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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's interim spell as Manchester United manager has been off to a roaring start. The Red Devils have won every single match under the Norwegian, including impressive away wins against Tottenham and Arsenal.
While Jose Mourinho was still manager, there were several rumours linking a host of centre backs to United, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Kostas Manolas and Toby Alderweireld being popular names.
But United have looked much better defensively under Solskjaer, and the club has made no indications of signing any player ahead of deadline day.
There is, however, the possibility of a few outgoing transfers. Marouane Fellaini is reportedly in talks to sign for a Chinese Super League club, ending his five-and-a-half year spell at Old Trafford.
Club captain Antonio Valencia has fallen out of favour this season, with both Mourinho and Solskjaer preferring Ashley Young as right back. Luke Shaw's resurgence has also contributed to the Ecuadorian being sidelined.
As a result, United are believed to be willing to listen to offers for him in January, with Newcastle and Fulham interested.
Solksjaer will now have to decide on a new permanent captain if Valencia leaves, which is likely to happen in the summer if not in the next few days.
Here are 5 contenders to wear the captain's armband for Manchester United:
5. Chris Smalling
He won't be a very popular choice among fans, but Smalling is the second longest serving player at the club after Valencia.
The 29-year-old joined United from Fulham in the winter transfer window of 2010, and has been fairly consistent for them ever since. With Vidic and Ferdinand nearing the end of their careers, United needed young replacements for both of them.
Smalling hasn't even come close to emulating the duo, and he is a bit more error-prone than some other centre backs, but the fact that he's still at Old Trafford and playing regularly does count for something. He's also won two Premier League titles.
He has captained United on occasions, mostly in the absence of club captains Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney.
Smalling becoming the next permanent captain is highly unlikely though. While he has displayed signs of leadership before, even Lindelof has been more vocal at the back than him this season.
4. Ander Herrera
Herrera is a player who is unconditionally loved by almost all the fans for his passion and enthusiasm.
The Spaniard was one of Louis van Gaal's first signings as manager, joining from Athletic Bilbao in 2014. Since then, he has amassed 180 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals.
Herrera hasn't always been a regular member of the starting XI. His best season for the club came only after van Gaal was replaced by Jose Mourinho, when he briefly played in a three-man midfield alongside Pogba and Carrick.
The fact that he always gives his 100% irrespective of the amount of playing time he gets is a major reason why he's a crowd favourite at Old Trafford.
He doesn't have any experience captaining United, but he'd definitely be a very popular choice. Herrera is always vocal on the pitch, urging his teammates to do more, and his work rate is almost unparalleled.
He's now rediscovered his form under Solskjaer, and is arguably playing the best football of his Manchester United career, but he's likely not going to be chosen by the Norwegian thanks to some high-profile names further down this list.
3. David De Gea
David De Gea has been United's best player in the post-Alex Ferguson era, barring a poor run of form at the start of this season.
If there were any doubts regarding his status as the world's best goalkeeper, he banished them with 11 astounding saves in the second half of United's recent 1-0 win over Tottenham.
The 28-year-old has already captained the Red Devils under Solskjaer, being handed the armband when Ashley Young was rested against Huddersfield in December.
De Gea has sufficient experience at the club and also has good enough knowledge to become the permanent captain, and he has to be considered as a legitimate contender.
He's always been the subject of transfer speculation linking him to Real Madrid, but the Los Blancos signed Thibaut Courtois in the summer.
De Gea's commitment and professionalism has never been in doubt, and given that his long term future at the club is safe, naming him captain would be a great way to honour his incredible contributions over the last few years.
2. Ashley Young
Young has served as interim captain in Antonio Valencia's absence this season, and is probably the favourite to take over permanently as well.
The winger-turned-right-back's consistency at the highest level is mind-boggling. In spite of several big money signings threatening his spot in the starting XI, Young has always been a regular for United.
Adapting from a winger to a full-back is also no mean task, and Young's transition has been almost effortless, especially considering the quality of the Premier League.
Full back is probably the most tactically nuanced and physically demanding position in football right now, and Young is still somehow first choice for United at the age of 33.
Under Solskjaer, he has also added an attacking output to his game, often making overlapping runs on the right and putting inviting crosses into the box.
He's also a great leader. In spite of not being a natural defender, Young has been brilliant in marshaling his defence under Solskjaer.
There probably won't be many complaints if he gets the nod.
1. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba was actually Mourinho's choice as captain in Valencia's absence at the start of the season, but the World Cup winner was stripped of the armband when he seemed to publicly criticise the manager's tactics after a 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Young has since taken over, but there are very few who doubt Pogba's natural leadership qualities.
It was an attribute that came to the fore during France's successful World Cup campaign in Russia, where Pogba was one of the most experienced players in a team that was full of youthful talent.
Solskjaer, who worked with the 25-year-old when he was manager of United's reserves between 2008 and 2010, also recently said that Pogba is a natural leader.
His inconsistencies might be a source of concern for some fans, but Solskjaer seems to have found a way to bring out the best in him.
While Young is likely going to be made captain for the foreseeable future, the Englishman will turn 34 in July. Pogba is almost definitely going to be a future leader at Old Trafford.
