Tim Howard suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo has been taking the thunder off Harry Maguire United since his return to Manchester United.
Speaking on NBC Sports, the former United goalkeeper proposed that Maguire’s captain duties had diminished following the second signing of CR7.
Understandably, Ronaldo demands to be centre of attention wherever he travels.
After all, the 36-year-old is one of the greatest to have ever graced the game and amongst the Premier League’s finest products.
Not always right with Ronaldo
Yet, sometimes the Portugal international’s need for the spotlight undermines those around him.
He takes the attention away from players, like Maguire, who should have the respect of the team as their skipper.
Sadly, the way United are looking from the outside, it appears the England defender has relinquished his leadership roles to the fabled number seven.
This has caused an imbalance of power within the side, as players seem to be working off their own orders.
Ralf Rangnick’s side were seen moaning and groaning at themselves and one another during the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Monday.
The reaction of his group pretty much summarised the overall performance; unstable, uncoordinated and largely unnecessary.
Maguire making way for Ronaldo
“I look at Ralf Rangnick and he is the kind of mastermind of this 4-2-2-2. It worked at (RB) Leipzig, it worked at (RB) Salzburg and it worked and New York (Red Bulls). That’s because they bring players in to fit the system straight away,” said Howard on the problems surrounding his old club.
“He’s taking over this Man United team that has its faults. Leadership, we obviously talk about Harry Maguire definitely being overshadowed by Ronaldo as a captain.
“He’s not having a brilliant season himself on the pitch, so that’s difficult in terms of getting a grasp of his own performances.”
Maguire is enduring one of his more difficult campaigns in senior football.
The arrival of Ronaldo should’ve lifted him and the Red Devils as a whole.
As it stands, the effect has sometimes been quite the opposite.
Rangnick needs to readdress the balance of authority in the dressing room quickly, otherwise United could unravel at the seams, if they haven’t already.
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