Harry Maguire will remain Manchester United captain for the remainder of the season. Maguire’s poor performance has been a critical factor in the struggles of United this season.
On Friday, the temporary manager Ralf Rangnick announced amid stories of an alleged power battle in the locker room between him and Cristiano Ronaldo.
There was speculation that the world’s highest-priced defender was a victim of Ronaldo’s influence. Maguire rejected the claim, and Rangnick insisted that his captain role was never doubted.
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“This is utterly absurd. I’ve never spoken to anyone about a change in captaincy,” said Rangnick at his press conference before the match before Sunday’s game in Leeds.
“This is not an issue with me. I decide who captains the ship, so there’s no need to discuss this with anyone else.”
“Harry Maguire has been appointed our Captain. He will remain our captain until the close in the current season.”
Maguire was named skipper by boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January 2020, only five months after signing with his club after leaving Leicester for $ 80 million ($109 million).
“I’ve seen many reports on this club that aren’t real, and this is one of them,” Maguire posted on Twitter.
“Not going to begin posting on everything written; however, I had to clarify this issue. We’re all in agreement and focused on Sunday.”
United player Marcus Rashford also dismissed talk of a division in the dressing room that involved Ronaldo earlier in the week.
A 2-0 victory over Brighton on Tuesday has lifted United to the fourth position within the Premier League, which would be enough to make it into this season’s Champions League.
However, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Wolves have games to play that could allow them to move ahead of the Red Devils.
Ronaldo was open in his support for Maguire when he returned to the club for his second time in United in August. However, his help has decreased after the season went into.
Both players have discussed with Rangnick concerning the prospect of Ronaldo being given the captain’s armband, so Maguire could concentrate on improving his inconsistent form.
However, the England center-back is believed to be concerned by the possibility of losing the captaincy forever.
As Maguire was guilty of making many mistakes that have been a focus in the past, Ronaldo is also suffering significant dips in his form.
There are a variety of reports Ronaldo isn’t impressed with the style of management at Rangnick, with the striker running off the field and exchanging words in a heated exchange with Germans. German after being substituted during the win over Brentford during January.
The 37-year-old played for six games without scoring a goal against Brighton at midweek.
This victory ended a disastrous sequence of three matches in which United had lost a first-half lead.
Rangnick stated earlier in the week that United’s self-belief was eroded by their recent tendency to throw away opportunities and admitted that fourth place in the Premier League was the best they could hope for.
