Some Manchester United players have privately questioned Harry Maguire's consistent selection in their starting XI.
United have endured a tumultuous season so far and Maguire has become a poster boy for their struggles, often looking hapless at the back.
The former Leicester defender enjoyed a good Euro 2020 campaign with England but performances have slipped this term, and The Times report that squad members have voiced their concerns.
Their report states some players have claimed the club captain's performances 'did not meet the club’s standards', with efforts against Burnley and Southampton attracting broader criticism from the football world.
However, while there have been calls for Maguire to be dropped in favour of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof, interim manager Ralf Rangnick said last month that he was not considering a change in club captaincy.
He said: “He is our captain and I don’t see any reason to change that. He is also a player who has to develop and get better like all the other players."
He added: "Harry was injured. He came back and had a good game against West Ham and I am pretty sure he can play at the same kind of level.
"The way we are playing now is new to him, also because in the English national team he is used to playing in a back three and here at Manchester United in a back four, but still not being as proactive with that kind of defence when we try and be on the front foot trying to defend."
United have a potentially pivotal month ahead of them for their season aspirations. The Manchester derby is coming up on Sunday, while games Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool may shape their future in Europe this term and next.
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Source : 90min