Ralf Rangnick insists Harry Maguire will not be booed at Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick said he could not understand the boos directed at Manchester United defender Harry Maguire before England’s friendly against Ivory Coast this week and has insisted they would not happen at Old Trafford.

Maguire’s name was jeered when the teams were read out at Wembley before England’s 3-0 win on Tuesday night, with England boss Gareth Southgate calling the fans’ response “a joke” before several of Maguire’s team-mates spoke up on his behalf.

Rangnick said he had not spoken to his club captain since he returned from international duty, but said he retained full belief in the £80million signing.

“He knows my position towards him,” Rangnick said. “He’s been a very valuable player for the team and the club, the captain. I didn’t understand what happened at Wembley, it won’t happen in our stadium with the Red Army.

“He’s been playing well for Manchester United and England in the last couple of years. Gareth Southgate said something after the game and Harry Kane. I didn’t watch the game but I heard what had happened after they announced the starting line-up. It is difficult to understand.”

There was a mix of cheers and jeers when Maguire was substituted during United’s home defeat to Atletico Madrid last month, but Rangnick insisted Maguire could expect the full backing of the Old Trafford crowd for Saturday’s match against his former club Leicester.

“I don’t speak to the (fans) in person but I’m pretty sure it won’t happen in our stadium,” he added. “For it to happen in an international game is unusual.”

Asked why he felt Maguire’s form had been getting so much scrutiny, Rangnick said: “I don’t think this is a personal thing, it hasn’t anything to do with Harry himself.

“We know there are one or two players who