54% of the United faithful voted for Ferdinand, who was banned from football for 8-months after forgetting to attend a random drugs test last year.

The next 2 players with the most votes are long-serving duo Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. Welshman Giggs received 14% of the votes, earning the winger 2nd place, whilst right-back Gary Neville managed to win 10% of the votes.

6% of voters backed £30 million striking wonderkid Wayne Rooney to be the next skipper. Gabriel Heinze, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and Alan Smith won just a few votes each.

Ferdinand has already got a taste of captaincy with United, skippering his side against Liverpool in the league and Fenerbahce in the Champions League.

Full Poll Result: (300 unique voters cast their vote)

Rio Ferdinand 54%
Ryan Giggs 14%
Gary Neville 10%
Wayne Rooney 6%
Gabriel Heinze 4%
Alan Smith 4%
Ruud van Nistelrooy 4%
Paul Scholes 3%

Why should Rio Ferdinand become the club captain when Roy Keane retires?

"I think Rio's hard-work in training whilst he was banned and his commitment really impressed Fergie and the United faithful. Most players in the same situation would have taken a break for a while and not trained or would not have travelled to every away game with the side. He's also a commanding presence at the back and arguably the best defender in England." - United fan 'Old Trafford Legend'

"Rio is a natural leader and he is very hard-working and is also very committed to Manchester United. He wants to play as many games as possible and is one of the world's best defenders." United fan 'Ronaldo999'

“I was very impressed with Ferdinand against Fenerbahce and he looked good as captain. He is a leader for the future" England manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

"A man born to lead, his presence on the pitch makes exudes calm. Perfect to lead by example, a legend in the making." United fan Bharat Agarwal