Manchester United’s Harry Maguire Responds to Explosive Reports of Power Struggle with Cristiano Ronaldo

• There have been widespread reports of a rift in the Manchester United camp over the last few days
• Harry Maguire has been reported to be embroiled in a ‘power struggle’ with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo
• The reports suggest that Maguire is unwilling to give up the captaincy despite pressure from a section of fans, who prefer Cristiano to lead the team
• But in a rejoinder on Twitter, Maguire dismissed the reports, saying the team was ‘focused on Sunday’

Harry Maguire is the latest Manchester United star to respond to sensational reports about a rift in the Old Trafford dressing room.

In the latest wave of rumours surrounding the Manchester United squad, it was reported by The Sun and other UK media outlets that there was a ‘power struggle’ at Manchester United, with Maguire at the centre of it all.

The reports claimed that the defender was embroiled in a power struggle with 37-year old Cristiano Ronaldo, as the two players are reportedly battling to get a hold of leadership at the club.

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As per The Mirror, Maguire is reluctant to relinquish the Manchester United armband to at least take some pressure off himself amid his worrying dip in form.

Rangnick reportedly told Cristiano Ronaldo to mentor the young players, something that irked the Manchester United captain.

As expected, the reports have led to a massive debate on social media, but Maguire took to Twitter on Friday to try to quell the growing tension.

“I’ve seen a lot of reports about this club that aren’t true and this is another,” he stated.

“Not going to start posting about everything that is written but I needed to make this one clear. We’re united and focused on Sunday. Enjoy your day everyone,”

“Marginalised”

Maguire is said to feel marginalised in terms of his authority within the Manchester United dressing room, and there is a general feeling that some players are losing respect for him.

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In addition, some United players are said to be conflicted about the whole situation, and this has led to a divide in the dressing room.

Having signed from Leicester City for £80million in 2019, Maguire was handed the armband by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer two years ago.

Rashford’s take on alleged rift in the dressing room

United forward Marcus Rashford on Thursday, February 17 also responded to suggestions that he was ‘irritated’ by Cristiano Ronaldo.

This came after it was alleged that English players at Old Trafford were irked by the fact that there was a ‘clique’ being formed by Cristiano in the dressing room.

In response to the reports, Rashford said:

"Are we just making it up as we go along now then?," Rashford wrote. “Please stop looking for divides,”

United, who are barely holding onto fourth place in the Premier League, face Leeds in their next match on Sunday, February 20.