Rooney took the England armband for last week's friendly with Brazil in Qatar and has twice skippered United in the past, but Ferguson plumped for John O'Shea at the start of the season in the absence of the usual candidates.

The decision was not personal as Ferguson does believe Rooney has the necessary qualities to be a skipper, but he has always tended to steer away from attacking players in the past and would prefer someone older to lead the team.

"I have never really been an advocate of centre-forwards being captain," said the United boss.

"You can see the qualities Wayne would give as a captain. He is determined, hungry and has a desire to do well.

"He always tries no matter how your team is playing. He will give 100%.

"These are wonderful qualities for a captain. It exemplifies the spirit of the whole team and players can take that on board.

"But Wayne is not in my thinking to be captain at the moment because he is young and I prefer older players and I prefer midfielders or centre-backs."

Meanwhile Ferguson has criticised the Football Association over their handling of Rooney.

A previous dispute with the FA over their treatment of his long-time advisor Paul Stretford has now been brought to an end, which means the Manchester United player has agreed to do interviews again while on England duty.

That has resulted in Rooney doing extensive media work before the last three internationals, including Saturday's defeat to Brazil in Qatar when he was named skipper by Fabio Capello following the withdrawal of usual captain John Terry.

The arrangements have not gone unnoticed by Ferguson, who feels too much pressure is being applied to United's star man.

"Every time England go on a trip, who goes on TV? Wayne Rooney, every blinking time," grumbled Ferguson.

"It must get boring asking the same player to do it every time.

"That is because they have sponsors. That is the FA, they love that kind of thing.

"But it is not fair on the player to continually have to do the press all the time. It is the same one all the time."