Harry Maguire will remain Manchester United’s captain for the remainder of the season, according to interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Maguire’s dismal form this season has raised doubts about his ability to continue leading United, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo’s comeback.
Ronaldo captained Portugal and took the armband for United for the first time at the age of 23 in 2008, while Maguire was upgraded to the position five months into his Old Trafford career in January 2020, when Ashley Young moved for Inter Milan.
Five weeks ago, Ralf Rangnick stated that he would not reassign the captaincy, but Maguire’s status was questioned again in midweek following allegations of a meeting between Maguire, Ronaldo, and Rangnick.
“Well, to start with, I must say this is absolutely nonsense,” Rangnick said.
“I have never spoken with any player about a possible change of captaincy, Harry was fully aware of that, so was Cristiano and the other players. This has never been an issue for me.
“It’s me who decides who’s the captain and therefore there is no reason for me to speak about that with another person. Harry is our captain and he will stay our captain until the end of the season and there is nothing else to add on to that.”
When Harry Maguire isn’t available, Bruno Fernandes steps in as United’s vice-captain and wears the armband.
Ronaldo led United out at Old Trafford last month after Maguire was ruled out and Fernandes was benched.
