Another day, another leak
Harry Maguire’s place in the Manchester United starting line-up has been questioned by members of the club’s squad again, according to reports.
As per The Times, Maguire’s teammates have privately spoken to interim manager Ralf Rangnick about his decision to persist with naming the defender in the side.
Maguire – United’s captain – has struggled to hit his usual standard on the pitch this season which has led to concerns from other members of the squad who believe his performances do not warrant a place in the team.
The 28-year-old returned from a hip injury last month but has come under fire for his displays in United’s last two games against Burnley and Southampton.
Rangnick has publicly defended the England international in the last month, saying: “Harry was injured. He came back and had a good game against West Ham and I am pretty sure he can play at the same kind of level.
“The way we are playing now is new to him, also because in the English national team he is used to playing in a back three and here at Manchester United in a back four, but still not being as proactive with that kind of defence when we try and be on the front foot trying to defend.
“This is something new to him and it will take some time for him to get used to that and adjust to that.”
Maguire’s place in the United ranks has been questioned previously. On the eve of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking as United boss, a team meeting was called where one player even voiced their concern around Maguire being named as club captain.
These rumours were later dispelled by his representatives, while Rangnick said last month that he has no intention of taking the armband away from Maguire.
He said: “He is our captain and I don’t see any reason to change that. He is also a player who has to develop and get better like all the other players.”
It is expected that the 28-year-old will be named in the starting line-up for United’s must-win game against Manchester City on Sunday.
Related links:
- Fred confused by ‘strange’ Man United decision to appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim boss
- Marcus Rashford responds to rumours of Man United squad turning against Ronaldo
- Harry Maguire calls out reports that him and Ronaldo are embroiled in power struggle
