Gary Pallister advises Ralf Rangnick on how to handle Harry Maguire captaincy issue

Former Manchester United star Gary Pallister is confident Harry Maguire will ‘100 per cent’ want to play his way back into form and retain the captain’s armband.

Maguire, who was made skipper just six months on from his £80million arrival from Leicester City in 2019, has endured a difficult campaign where his form has been heavily criticised.

To compound matters, the centre-half has been forced to deny reports of a ‘power struggle’ at Old Trafford, with The Mirror reporting Maguire is feeling undermined by Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the dressing room. 

Ralf Rangnick has also publicly backed the England international.

And Pallister, who won four Premier League titles and three FA Cups with United during his 10 years at Old Trafford, is confident Maguire can rediscover his best form.

‘I didn’t want to be brought out, I remember when I had a bad time at Manchester United and the gaffer told me he was thinking about leaving me out,’ Pallister told Metro.co.uk on behalf of OLBG.

‘I told him no, I was getting a bit of stick at the time, but you’ve got to play your way through it.

‘It’s tough and it can be a lovely place when you’re getting it from all sides, Harry has been under the spotlight, but I’m sure he’ll want to play.

‘He’ll want to be a part of bringing Manchester United coming back to form and becoming a better team.

‘He’s got the captaincy and the responsibility, so he’ll feel it’s down to him to lead and he can do that by being on the pitch.

‘I don’t think he’s the type of character to look for a cop out like that, so he’ll want to play through it.

‘It doesn’t do anyone any favours and it could be seen as a sign of weakness if you’re not hurt about being left out.

‘I’m 100% positive that he’ll want to fight