Ralf Rangnick backs Harry Maguire after England boos

Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has thrown his support behind Harry Maguire after the Red Devils captain was booed by England fans during the recent international break.

Maguire, who has struggled for form during the 2021-22 campaign, was the subject of boos from England supporters before and during the friendly win over the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Rangnick has insisted that the Man United fans will not have a similar reaction to the central defender when he returns to club action against Leicester City in Saturday's late start.

"(Spoken?) Not yet, but I speak regularly since I'm here he knows my position towards him, he's been a very valuable player for the team and the club, the captain," Rangnick told reporters.

"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. Difficult to understand.

"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 have been criticised in the last few months, for example, Fred, a very important player for this team, playing regularly for the team and Brazil, I watched his game and he did well.

"Maybe it's still got to do with the high expectations around this club and people tend to compare with former players and legends. Fred, Scotty [Scott McTominay] and Harry are important players and players with the right attitude."

The 29-year-old has scored twice in 31 appearances for Man United this season and has kept his regular spot in the starting XI despite his inconsistent form.