Cristiano Ronaldo should be Man Utd captain for rest of season after Harry Maguire boo-boy hell, Micah Richards claims
MICAH RICHARDS believes Cristiano Ronaldo should become Manchester United captain to give Harry Maguire a break.
Maguire, 29, was heavily criticised by United fans following the defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Some supporters even cheered as he left the pitch in the 84th minute of the second-leg clash.
Now, Richards has suggested that he needs help in his role as captain.
In his column for the Daily Mail, the former Manchester City defender said: “Certainly, Harry is going through a difficult period of form.
“There is nothing wrong with casting a critical eye towards a player when they aren’t reaching the levels you expect and I wouldn’t be taken seriously if I suggested that all was currently well with his game.
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“It’s not my role to defend people, but the reason I feel so passionately about why the captaincy should be moved on to Ronaldo — for the time being — is based on everything Harry is experiencing on a personal level.”
Gareth Southgate showed his faith in Maguire this week by naming him in the squad for England’s upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
Ralf Rangnick is also keen to keep him in the starting line-up.
However, it was recently reported that a rift had emerged between Maguire and Ronaldo.
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The pair were allegedly feuding over who deserved the captain’s armband.
But Rangnick was quick to dismiss the claims, and said: “It’s absolutely nonsense.
“I am the manager of this club and I have never spoken to any player about changing the captaincy.
“I have not spoken to Harry, I have not spoken to Cristiano. They know that.
“This is not an issue and there is no reason to change.”
The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the Premier League table and are fighting for a spot in the Champions League next season.
Ronaldo is set to remain at the club even if they are not participating in next year’s competition.