Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire in new Man Utd row as Ralf Rangnick faces fresh crisis

Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire are embroiled in a power struggle over the Manchester United captaincy.

It is understood interim boss Ralph Rangnick, Ronaldo and Maguire have had conversations about the latter relinquishing the armband for the rest of the season, to take the pressure off him as he wrestles with his own loss of form.

But Maguire is reluctant to do that, for fear of losing the captaincy on a permanent basis.

Interim boss Ralf Rangnick has called on Ronaldo to mentor the young players within the squad, which is understood to have led to further friction with Maguire.

United skipper Maguire is said to feel increasingly undermined by the 37-year-old superstar’s huge influence within the dressing-room, particularly with the younger players.

Ronaldo has positioned himself as the one setting the example for younger players and the need for one figure – himself – to get everyone pulling in the same direction.

Maguire is said to feel marginalised in terms of his authority within the United dressing-room, leading to him thinking some of the players are losing respect for him.

There is now a growing belief within the Old Trafford dressing-room that it is inevitable Ronaldo will replace Maguire – who has been struggling for form – as captain.

Rangnick’s decision to ask Ronaldo to guide United’s younger players, including Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford, has been seen as a direct challenge to Maguire’s status as skipper.

Some of United’s younger players are said to be conflicted by the situation, feeling they should remain loyal to Maguire, as captain, despite Ronaldo’s huge presence and influence within the dressing-room.

Although Ronaldo has steadfastly backed Maguire as captain and urged