Dimitar Berbatov has urged Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire to thrash out their problems as they tussle for the Manchester United captaincy.
Mirror Sport understands Maguire, 28, feels undermined by the presence of 37-year-old Ronaldo in the dressing room.
Ralf Rangnick has held talks with the United skipper over relinquishing the armband for the rest of the season, allowing him to focus on his duties at centre-back.
Ronaldo has already been tasked with setting an example for the club's younger players and there is a growing sense he is a figure the squad can rally around for the run-in.
However, Maguire is reluctant to give up his leadership role for fear he will never reclaim it, and there is said to be friction between him and the Portuguese superstar.
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Speaking on Friday, Rangnick denied claims there is a significant issue between Ronaldo and Maguire before insisting the latter would stay on as captain.
Former Red Devils striker Berbatov, a two-time Premier League winner with the club, hopes this is true but warned the only way to solve such a problem would be to hold showdown face-to-face talks.
"There is always rumour and gossip going around at any club and who knows if there is anything in the story of a clash between Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo over the captaincy," the Bulgarian told Betfair .
"Harry says that's not the case. I hope he's right. But if there is something to it then I hope they can speak face-to-face and sort it out.
"What is for sure is that this is not the sort of thing United need right now. United are fighting for a top four spot which they need to achieve.
"Nobody needs to be talking about this stuff right in the middle of the season."
While Berbatov can appreciate why Ronaldo would be a good captain, he insists Maguire would never shirk his responsibilities and his main hope is the duo can "f***ing sort it out".
He added: "Obviously Ronaldo is an icon in football, he's done it all and when you have a player like this in the side you need to use him, ask for advice and listen to what he says.
"He leads by example during training and the way he plays. There is a point for Ronaldo being captain because he has experienced everything in the game.
"On the other hand Maguire is captain and, ok he may have had the odd bad game, but I don't think he would like to run from that responsibility.
"If there is anything in it, they have to come together, sit down, speak to each other and the manager and just f***ing sort it out!"
