Ralf Rangnick has discussed Harry Maguire’s form for Manchester United amid continued criticism of the defender’s poor performances.
Maguire has been a target for criticism following a number of disappointing displays this season, with the centre-back having struggled during recent draws with both Burnley and Southampton.
The England international’s performances have led to calls for Maguire to be dropped and removed as club captain, though Rangnick sees no reason to take the armband from the centre-back.
Ragnick admits the defender has suffered from some ‘weaker moments’ in recent fixtures, but says that Maguire is still adapting to his tactical approach and a different style of defending than he has been previously used to.
“Well, I think after he came back after his injury, he did extremely well – he had a very good performance, a very good game against West Ham,” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Brighton on Tuesday evening.
“In the last two games, yes, 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, get better, like all the other players. The way that we are playing now is new also for him, because for the English national team he is used to playing in a back three and for Manchester United, in most cases in a back four, but also being proactive, not with that kind of rest defence.
“[Our style is about] always being on the front foot when we are trying to defend, and this is something also new to him. It will also take some time for him to get used to that, to adjust to that, and this is all I can say to that.”
