Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has firmly rejected calls for Cristiano Ronaldo to replace Harry Maguire as the club's captain, despite growing pressure from fans following Ronaldo's recent outspoken interview.
The decision comes after Ronaldo's candid comments to Sky Sports where he challenged his teammates to raise their performance levels and secure a top-three Premier League finish. The Portuguese star also suggested that younger players at the club were struggling to accept criticism behind the scenes.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Rangnick was unequivocal about the captaincy situation.
"Right now, I don't see a reason to do that because Harry has been the captain so far and as long as Harry is playing he will be the captain," Rangnick stated. "And if he's not playing then someone else will have to be the captain. This can change from game to game just depending on who is playing."
The German tactician emphasized that leadership at the club extends beyond just Ronaldo, highlighting several experienced players who can serve as role models both on and off the pitch.
"It's not only Cristiano we have. Edinson [Cavani], we have. Harry, we have quite a few other older players, David de Gea in goal, Victor Lindelof, Bruno [Fernandes]," he explained.
Rangnick further elaborated on his expectations for these senior players: "We have enough experienced older players who can not only be role models themselves in training, on the pitch and in games, but also in all those conversations that happen in the locker room or when they are together in the hotel for away games or home games, this has to happen."
The interim boss also emphasized the importance of natural leadership emerging within a united team environment, inviting all players, particularly the veterans, to step up in this regard.
"In a team, in a united team that happens automatically and I can only invite and challenge and tell all the players, also the older players, to do that on a regular basis because that helps even more so in a team that we have currently," Rangnick concluded.
Manchester United will face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday evening, with Maguire expected to retain the captain's armband if selected.
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