Manchester
United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has rubbished reports of a clash between Cristiano
Ronaldo and Harry Maguire over the club’s captaincy, calling them “absolutely
nonsense”.

According
to the Mirror, the two are “embroiled in a power struggle” over the
armband. It stated that Maguire’s authority has been undermined by the 37-year-old
superstar’s influence on the dressing room.

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However, Rangnick
said he is not bothered by such reports “because I know it is not true”.

“This is
absolutely nonsense – I’ve never spoken with players about captaincy. It’s
never been an issue with me. Harry is our captain and will stay our captain,”
the German said as he backed the under-fire Englishman.

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“I don’t
listen to that noise because I focus on preparing the team. I have heard about
what was written. Yes, there were players that were unhappy at the end of the
(transfer) window. This has improved and the atmosphere in the locker room is
better than it was a few weeks ago.”

“It’s
about performing well and showing togetherness on the pitch. That’s what we can
influence.”

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Maguire,
who was given the armband by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, also
responded to the report on social media, saying it is not true and that the
squad is “united and focused” for Sunday’s Premier League game against Leeds United.

Maguire,
who also captains England, has been facing criticism for his form at the heart
of a leaky defence. Only Southampton (37) and West Ham (33) have let in more
goals than the Red Devils (33) among clubs in the top half of the table.

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Meanwhile,
Rangnick said he is looking forward to playing Leeds United at Elland Road. “As
far as I know it’s the first game (for Manchester United) in a full stadium at
Elland Road since they were last in the Premier League. We are looking forward
to it.”

United are
currently fourth in the table, two ahead of the Hammers in fifth and four clear
of Arsenal in sixth, although the Gunners have three games in hand.