Harry Maguire’s continued selection in Ralf Rangnick’s starting line-up has been privately questioned by members of the Manchester United squad.
The 28-year-old United captain has struggled this season and his dip in form has not impressed some of his team-mates, who have aired their grievances among themselves at the club’s Carrington training ground. They felt that some of the defender’s performances did not meet the club’s standards.
The England international came back from a rib injury last month, and despite a promising performance against West Ham United in the Premier League, he was criticised for disappointing displays against Burnley and Southampton.
Last month, Rangnick did not hesitate to defend United’s captain: “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.”
In October, on the verge of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departure from Old Trafford, The Times reported that at a team meeting at Carrington after a 4-2 defeat by Leicester City, some players ripped into each other, and one of them even questioned Maguire’s selection as a captain, just six months after joining the club from Leicester.
This was denied by the player’s representatives at the time and those who work with him say he takes his leadership responsibilities seriously.
Maguire recently agreed to come in on a day off to talk to staff in a Q&A session. The defender also sets the rules for player fines due to lateness.
“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”, added Rangnick a month ago.
With Victor Lindelof, 27, and Raphaël Varane, 28, performing at a better level, Rangnick will now have a huge call to make in a hectic calendar for United. The Manchester derby will be played at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and games against Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool await in the next two weeks.
Rangnick left Maguire out of the team that drew 0-0 against Watford last weekend although the German said that his captain — and others — were rotated out of the team because he wanted fresh legs in his side after the 1-1 draw against Atletico three days earlier.
Scott McTominay, who missed the last two games due to injury, has returned to training and is available to play in the derby.
City, meanwhile, are sweating over the fitness of Rúben Dias. The Portugal centre back was substituted at half time during City’s 2-0 win over Peterborough United due to a leg injury. The 24-year-old defender will undergo further tests on Thursday to determine whether he will be fit to play against United.
Fridge will be eaten alive if he starts against Citeh.
