After England supporters booed Manchester United captain Harry Maguire during the recent international break, interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has thrown his support behind him.
Maguire, who has battled with form throughout the 2021-22 season, was booed by England fans before and after Tuesday’s friendly victory against the Ivory Coast.
Rangnick has stated that Man United supporters would not react negatively to the central defender when he returns to club action on Saturday against Leicester City in a late kick-off.
“(Spoken?) Not yet, but I speak regularly since I’m here he knows my position towards him, he’s been a very valuable player for the team and the club, the captain,” Rangnick told reporters.
“I didn’t understand what happened at Wembley, it won’t happen in our stadium with the Red Army. He’s been playing well for Manchester United and England in the last couple of years. Gareth Southgate said something after the game and Harry Kane. I didn’t watch the game but I heard what had happened after they announced the starting lineup. Difficult to understand.
“I don’t think this is a personal thing, it hasn’t anything to do with Harry himself, we know there are one or two players who have been criticized in the last few months, for example, Fred, a very important player for this team, playing regularly for the team and Brazil, I watched his game and he did well.
“Maybe it’s still got to do with the high expectations around this club and people tend to compare with former players and legends. Fred, Scotty [Scott McTominay], and Harry are important players and players with the right attitude.”
Despite his fluctuating record, the 29-year-old has held his starting position for Man United this season, scoring twice in 31 games.
