Ralf Rangnick has been told to make Cristiano Ronaldo captain
Former Premier League midfielder, Robbie Savage has told Ralf Rangnick to consider handing Manchester United captaincy to Cristiano Ronaldo if he is bothered about Harry Maguire’s form.
Maguire has been heavily criticised this season, after a string of underwhelming performances for the Red Devils, with many calling for the centre back to be dropped.
Last week, reports emerged that Rangnick was in fact considering stripping the Englishman of his role, and handing it to Ronaldo, who is considered a stronger personality in the dressing room.
While the German has denied the reports and insisted that Maguire will remain captain, Savage advices that it is an option worth considering.
He told the Mirror, “Although Harry Maguire denies that there is any power struggle with Cristiano Ronaldo, one thing is undeniable: Manchester United are facing a massive month to keep their season alive.
“To come out on the right side of that daunting schedule, they will need strong, forceful leadership. Look at all of Man United’s successful teams under Sir Alex Ferguson and their captains were all big personalities.
“Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic. You would follow them all into the trenches. If Ralf Rangnick is concerned about Maguire’s form, I would consider making Ronaldo the skipper.
“Ronaldo has set a brilliant example to the younger players at Man United — always first in at the Carrington training ground, always the last to leave – so there’s no question he’s a leader of men.
“For me, the major issue is whether Maguire is going to play every week under Rangnick. Being captain does not make a player undroppable, and in the short term it might take some of the pressure off him.”