Ralf Rangnick admits Man Utd ‘atmosphere is better’; addresses toxic captain talk
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has admitted the “atmosphere in the dressing is better” and insists there will be no change of captain at Old Trafford.
Friday’s papers carried stories of skipper Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo involved in a dressing-room power struggle. Maguire was said to feel “marginalised in terms of his authority” at the club. With suggestions that Ronaldo would replace him as captain.
Maguire was quick to dispel the talk and claimed the club were “united”.
And German boss Rangnick was asked about the speculation at his pre-match press conference.
“This is absolutely nonsense. I have never spoken to any player about a chance in captaincy, Harry is aware of that and Cristiano,” said Rangnick.
“It’s me who decides who is captain and I don’t have to talk to anyone else about that. Harry is our captain and he will stay our captain.”
There have been a number of leaks from the United dressing room in recent week.
Rangnick was faced with confronting stories about the unity of the group last week.
A remarkable report from ESPN claimed United’s stars had rebelled against Rangnick and his staff’s training methods. The report detailed how they had even compared his assistant manager, American Chris Armas, to fictional coach Ted Lasso.
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
Rangnick: There were player unhappy
And he was faced with similar questions ahead of Sunday’s date with Leeds.
Rangnick said: “I’m not frustrated because it’s not the truth. Harry is the captain, it’s not an issue and hasn’t been an issue.
“My full focus is preparing the team in training for the next game. I have heard what is written I can only tell you from my personal experience.
“There were players unhappy until the close of the window because the squad was too big and players weren’t getting game time.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room is better than it was a few weeks ago for that reason. It’s about performing well, togetherness on the pitch and winning games. They are the things we can influence.”
United did not sign any new players in the January window. But Anthony Martial, Amad Diallo and Donny van de Beek all left on loan.
Jesse Lingard was also chasing a move, but he stayed put.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher tells Man Utd when to ditch Cristiano Ronaldo, as pundit talks unnecessary ‘noise’
The post Ralf Rangnick admits Man Utd ‘atmosphere is better’; addresses toxic captain talk appeared first on TEAMtalk.