Leeds vs Manchester United: Every word Rangnick said about captaincy rumours, Cavani & Matic

Ralf Rangnick has refuted the rumours that Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo have had a row over the captaincy at Manchester United, ahead of their Premier clash with Leeds United on Sunday.

The Red Devils boss has backed Maguire’s claims that the reports of a row are ‘not true’, while also showing support for his captain.

Captaincy rumours

Rangnick has called reports of Maguire and Ronaldo having a row over the United captaincy  ‘nonsense’ in his latest press conference, with the 63-year-old emphasising he has the final decision on who wears the armband.

“This is absolutely nonsense. I have never spoken to any player about a change in captaincy, Harry is aware of that and Cristiano,” Rangnick said.

"I have never spoken with any player about a change of captaincy. This has never been an issue. It is me who decides who is the captain. Harry [Maguire] is our captain and he will stay captain.”

Cavani and Matic latest

The Red Devils boss has provided some team news ahead of the fixture, confirming Edinson Cavani will be unavailable for the game at Elland Road due to injury.

"As it seems, Edinson Cavani will still be out, he’s still having some problems with his groin and his stomach."

However, one player who could be in contention for a place in the matchday squad is Nemanja Matic. The midfielder has suffered with a shin problem as of late, but Rangnick says the Serbian is ‘maybe available’.

“Nemanja Matić was back available again, and he did quite well [in training]. He’s maybe available for Leeds but definitely the next two games. We will take it one by one. We try to start with a starting XI where we are convinced we can win the next game.

Importance of Leeds fixture and busy schedule ahead

United’s upcoming fixture schedule is a busy one, with three games in six days, starting with the trip to Elland Road on Sunday.

They then travel to the Metropolitano Stadium in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie to take on Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, before welcoming Watford to Old Trafford on the following Sunday.

Rangnick emphasised the importance of all three fixtures and wants to remain in the top four of the Premier League table, as well as proceed into the next round of the Champions League with a good first leg performance.

“We have to play one after another. The game at Leeds is important, to stay where we are in the table we have to win that game.

“Then three days later we have an important one at Atletico Madrid, we are in a competition [the Champions League] where we would like to proceed into the next round. Then three days later another important one at home against Watford.

“We will take each game one after the other.”