Harry Maguire's Manchester United future could be decided by Ralf Rangnick decision

t's Harry Maguire's birthday today, yet the Manchester United captain's celebrations will hardly be extravagant or indulgent. United play Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon and Maguire will go through his usual match preparation.

Maguire's birthday wish might simply be to start at the Etihad. The centre-back has endured a difficult season after an excellent European Championship and his credentials to captain the club have been brought into question.

He was dropped to the bench against Watford last weekend and he's not certain to win his place back. Victor Lindelof has outperformed him in recent weeks.

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Maguire has taken one step forward and two steps back on more than a few occasions this campaign. There have been performances that promised a return to form but they haven't been reproduced; consistency is hard to find amid a confidence crisis. Maguire's strong and resilient display at Elland Road felt like a turning point in his season but then he was culpable for the early goal conceded at Atletico Madrid.

Maguire has insisted he does not pay attention to criticism but his actions contradict his words. Maguire held his hands to his ears after scoring for England in November and United lost 2-0 to City the match before that celebration.

It was bizarre. It looked even worse when Maguire returned from international duty and United lost 4-1 to Watford, and the centre-back was sent off.

Maguire can't control those around him, but his family are also known to engage with criticism on social media. The pressure has increased on Maguire this season and he's not guaranteed to survive it. It's impossible to ignore