Harry Maguire is one of three Man United players Ralf Rangnick could sell

Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has reportedly expressed concerns about the positions of three key players in his squad – including Harry Maguire.

The centre-back, who is currently United’s captain, has failed to impress throughout the 2021/22 season.

He was given the captain’s armband at the beginning of last season. However, he has been criticised for his lack of leadership and defensive errors. Some United fans want Cristiano Ronaldo to be captain.

The situation is a far cry from the end of last season, where the centre-back played a much more significant role. In May, Maguire suffered an injury during a Premier League fixture against Aston Villa and subsequently missed five games. It was then that United rushed to get him back for their Europa League final against Villarreal, but Maguire could only make the bench. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side went on to lose on penalties.

He was also a critical part of the England side that reached the Euro 2020 final last summer.

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Some have questioned whether the poor form of Harry Maguire is partially down to the fatigue suffered through playing an entire summer of football off the back of a whole campaign. Others suggest he may no longer have a future at Manchester United.

According to reports, Ralf Rangnick may fall into the latter category.

Maguire one of three United players facing uncertain futures

90min has reported that Rangnick has completed an initial assessment of his squad. Furthermore, he has presented it to club chiefs. This is important because, as it stands, the German will move into a consultancy role at the club when his interim manager contract ends at the end of the season.

Rangnick was appointed interim boss on November 29, meaning that, either side of a Covid-19 outbreak, he has now had around six weeks to learn more about his squad.

Since his appointment, United have won three of their six Premier League games. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford, and a disappointing collapse saw them throw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Aston Villa.

Clearly, things need to change. Rangnick has been able to identify critical areas for improvement. And it isn’t good news for three of United’s defensive stalwarts.

The 90min report states that Harry Maguire and full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw were addressed as key positions of concern.

Wan-Bissaka joined United from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019. He immediately impressed with the defensive side of his game, although it was accepted that work was needed offensively. However, this season, the full-back has been the subject of plenty of criticism, with defensive positioning a key area of weakness.

Shaw may come as more of a surprise to United fans. The 26-year-old won the club’s Players’ Player of the Year award last season. He has also been a vital part of the side for several years. However, like Wan-Bissaka, he has not been an automatic starter in Rangnick’s setup.

Whatever happens from here, it’s clear that Rangnick wants to make changes. In addition, these three players may be the first big names to depart.

Featured Image Credit: Getty