Ralf Rangnick admits Harry Maguire is struggling to adjust to Manchester United’s demands of their centre-backs. Maguire has come under fierce criticism following his calamitous performances in the draws with Southampton and Burnley, while some fans have called for him to be stripped of the captaincy.
Ralf Rangnick said: “I think after he came back after his injury he did extremely well he had a very good performance against West Ham. In the last two games he had some weaker moments both against Southampton and when we conceded the goal against Burnley. But again, 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. The way we 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. This is something new to him and it will take some time for him to get used to that and adjusted to that and this is what I can say to that.”
Jadon Sancho’s form has been the standout positive of United’s recent run after the 21-year-old failed to meet expectations in his first five months at the club. United signed Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for £72.9million and Rangnick met the winger when he was 17 and still at Manchester City.
Ralf Rangnick added: “In his first year at the age of 21, a big club like Manchester and other players also struggled. I remember the first season of Robert Lewandowski at Dortmund: he was not regularly playing and only in the second year he had the breakthrough. I’m pretty positive that Jadon is now on the right pathway now that he realises he can be successful and one of the best wingers in the Premier League, not only the German Bundesliga. The only thing I did and my coaching staff did was show belief in him and with a few other younger players. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga, they are two other examples and this is the only way we can develop young players at a club like Manchester United.”
