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Football

18th Feb 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire embroiled in fresh Man United captaincy row

Callum Boyle

More problems at Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick is facing another issue at Manchester United after reports have emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire have become embroiled in a row over the captaincy at the club.

According to The MirrorRangnick has spoken to both Ronaldo and Maguire with discussions including relinquishing the latter of his duties as captain until the end of the season.

This would be to help relieve the defender of some pressure in a bid to help him rediscover his form, however Maguire isn’t said to be keen on that idea amid fears that it may lead to him losing the armband altogether

Maguire is also said to be frustrated that United’s interim boss sees Ronaldo as the perfect mentor to the younger members of the squad and feels undermined by the 37-year-old’s heavy influence in the dressing room.

Other members of the United squad feel it is increasingly likely that Ronaldo will become the captain of the club and despite previously encouraging his teammates to express their support for Maguire as their captain, that support for the 28-year-old has lessened in recent weeks.

One source told The Mirror: “Originally, Ronaldo was asking players to back Harry. But the problem is the manager now wants Ronaldo to mentor all these younger players.

“That’s left Harry in no man’s land, as he’s the captain and having to say and follow whatever Ronaldo says, to keep everything sweet.”

United currently find themselves fourth in the Premier League and are two points clear of their nearest challengers for a top-four spot, West Ham United.

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