Harry Maguire addresses Manchester United captaincy debate and Ronaldo ‘row’

The Red Devils captain has responded to reports he could relinquish the armband to Ronaldo.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Harry Maguire has addressed the rumours as to whether he will be dropping the captain’s armband to Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

The England international has been the club’s captain since January 2020 when he was appointed the role by former Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Maguire has come under criticism from fans and pundits for his ‘lack of leadership’ as of late and the Old Trafford faithful have gone as far as wanting him to be stripped of the armband.

Harry Maguire captained the side at Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.Harry Maguire captained the side at Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.
Harry Maguire captained the side at Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.

According to the Mirror, the 28-year-old and Ronaldo have been ‘rowing’ over the captaincy at United.

The newspaper claims that Maguire feels ‘increasingly undermined’ by the 37-year-old’s significant influence in the club’s dressing room, especially with younger players.

However, the centre-back has now responded to the reports refuting the notion he and Ronaldo are in a ‘power struggle’ over the armband.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Red Devils’ no.5 claims the reports ‘aren’t true’ and that he and his teammates are ‘united and focused on Sunday’ when the club travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not hit the back of the net in six games, his longest goal drought in 11 years. Picture by Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo has not hit the back of the net in six games, his longest goal drought in 11 years. Picture by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo has not hit the back of the net in six games, his longest goal drought in 11 years. Picture by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

“I’ve seen a lot of reports about this club that aren’t true and this is another,” Maguire tweeted in response to Mirror journalist David McDonnell’s article.

“Not going to start posting about everything that is written but I needed to make this one clear. We’re united and focused on Sunday. Enjoy your day everyone 💪🏻 @ManUtd”

Maguire joined United from Leicester City for £80m in July 2019, making him the world’s most expensive defender.

The 28-year-old has featured over 130 times for the Red Devils in all competitions since his arrival from the Foxes.