The towel burns between Maguire and Ronaldo. At least, that’s what the English press is saying this Friday morning. Indeed, the Daily Star claims that the Mancunian locker room is “disunited”. In question: the captain’s armband. According to the media, it was Ralf Rangnick himself who spoke with Harry Maguire to suggest that Ronaldo take over the role.
The English defender is strongly criticized across the Channel. For some observers, he does not justify his fabulous transfer of 90 million euros which makes him the most expensive defender on the planet. These jagged performances would push the German coach to change captaincy. Since his return, the Portuguese has already taken several players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford or Scott McTominay under his wing. His aura, his will to win and his XXL CV would make him a better captain than the former Leicester City.
However, this decision is not unanimous according to our colleagues. Above all, it would weaken Maguire’s position in the locker room. “Some young Manchester United players would be in conflict with this situation”advances the Daily Star. “They feel they must remain loyal to Maguire, as captain, despite Ronaldo’s huge presence and influence in the dressing room.”
According to a Manchester United source, it is the coach who is at the root of this controversy. “Originally Ronaldo asked the players to support Harry. But the problem is that the manager now wants Ronaldo to mentor all these young players”says this person anonymously. “Harry therefore finds himself in a delicate situation, since he is the captain and he must say and follow everything that Ronaldo says, so that everything goes well”she adds.
“Civil War”, really?
Other English media also address this situation. For the Daily Express, it is even a “Civil war”. This “power struggle” would guide “Maguire in ‘no man’s land’ waiting for Rangnick to make a decision”says the newspaper.
Injured at the start of the year, the English international was established once morest West Ham on January 22. Despite average performances, Ralf Rangnick had chosen to calm things down. “I think when he came back from his injury he did very well”, he said. While admitting that the defender can do better. “In the last two games, yes he had weaker moments. Especially once morest Southampton and when we conceded the goal at Burnley. But he is our captain and I see no reason to change that.”
Criticisms which had also touched Ronaldo who remained silent for five games before scoring this week. Faced with the controversy, Marcus Rashford also spoke. “Are we making it up as we go now? Please stop looking for divisions”he said on Twitter.
Fourth since their victory once morest Brighton, the Red Devils are still aiming for a qualifying place for the Champions League. But they are far from the objective displayed at the start of the season: the title of champion of England. The Red Devils are 20 points behind Skyblues. Also far from the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.