How Cristiano Ronaldo led the dressing room push to get Maguire dropped at Manchester Utd last season – report
Last season, several reports emerged claiming that certain figures in the Manchester United dressing room weren’t pleased with Harry Maguire.
The English defender endured a rough campaign, and in the eyes of many fans and a few players, was part of the problem during the club’s worst points tally in Premier League history.
The English defender had a difficult season, and many fans and players saw him as part of the problem during the club’s worst points tally in Premier League history.
In fact, some outlets claimed that cliques broke out at the club, with the English players grouping up on one side while Cristiano Ronaldo had his camp of followers on the other. A new report has now emerged via the Athletic detailing the behind-the-scenes info and it appears to confirm those allegations.
The English defender had a difficult season, and many fans and players saw him as a contributing factor to the club’s worst Premier League points total in history.
Indeed, some media outlets claimed that cliques formed at the club, with English players on one side and Cristiano Ronaldo’s supporters on the other. A new report from the Athletic detailing behind-the-scenes information appears to confirm those allegations.
According to Adam Crafton and a host of other reporters, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner approached then interim boss Ralf Rangnick with a group of other players during their horrible dip in form back in February. He was joined by Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane, just to name a few,
The purpose of this meeting with Rangnick was to bring up grievances and suggestions for how to salvage the campaign. Ronaldo argued that it would be in the club’s best interest if they played with two strikers up top, asking for Edinson Cavani to join him in a two-man forward line.
Additionally, the 37-year-old icon also suggested Maguire be dropped from the starting lineup due to his dip in form. The interesting part about this meeting is that the Englishman was not present despite being the club captain.
The conversation was ultimately brought to an end when Rangnick reminded everyone that this was not an appropriate discussion to have in the absence of their skipper. While some were apologetic and understanding of this stance, Ronaldo wasn’t and made his point clear: “Maguire is part of the problem”.
Ultimately, Cristiano did not get his wish as the caretaker persevered with the Three Lions center-back while Ronaldo continued to play up front on his own. Not much changed in terms of the results as the Red Devils went on to finish the season in seventh, behind both Arsenal and Tottenham, thus missing out on the top four.
Rangnick went on to leave Old Trafford despite agreeing to taking up an advisory position after completing his interim role. However, CR7’s unhappiness at the Theatre of Dreams lingers on. The Portuguese superstar has requested a transfer in order to secure game time in the UEFA Champions League, but so far, no top team has made a push for the former Real Madrid ace.
Cristiano did not get his wish, as the caretaker manager stuck with the Three Lions center-back, leaving Ronaldo to play up front on his own. In terms of results, little changed as the Red Devils finished seventh, behind both Arsenal and Tottenham, missing out on the top four.
Rangnick left Old Trafford despite agreeing to take on an advisory role after completing his interim role. However, CR7’s dissatisfaction at the Theatre of Dreams persists. The Portuguese superstar has requested a transfer in order to play in the UEFA Champions League, but no major club has made a bid for the former Real Madrid star.
As for Maguire, he has been dropped to the bench by Erik ten Hag, just as requested. However, CR7 has also lost his spot in the lineup, starting their last two games, the 2-1 victory over Liverpool and 1-0 win over Southampton, with the subs.