Manchester United are reportedly planning on buying a 'world class' centre-back after it was claimed that players have been privately questioning Harry Maguire's ability.
The Old Trafford skipper has suffered a dismal season and his teammates have noticed his dip in form as the defender comes under scrutiny.
The Times reports that several members of the Red Devils squad don't believe Maguire merits a place in Ralf Rangnick's side as they feel his performances are not meeting the club's high standards.
These grievances with Maguire have been lingering since October after a hostile team meeting at Carrington after a 4-2 defeat by Leicester City.
The report claims players had a go at each other with one individual questioning the club's decision to name Maguire skipper just six months after arriving from the King Power Stadium.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Harry Maguire lose the Manchester United captaincy? Comment below
Maguire has 'upset' a number of teammates this season, according to the Daily Mail, by openly blaming them for individual errors which they feel is unfair given his own form has been so erratic.
They also have not appreciated some of his critical post-match comments to the media.
And Maguire's future at United will come under even more pressure in the summer as the report states Rangnick's men plan on signing a 'world class' centre-back in the upcoming transfer window.
Man United are in desperate need of reinforcements across the board and the report claims a new central defender will be one of their top priorities.
Antonio Rudiger could be an option as a free agent with the German yet to sign a new contract with Chelsea, while Barcelona rising star Ronald Araujo has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Mirror Sport revealed last month how Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently embroiled in a power struggle over the club captaincy with the centre-half in jeopardy of losing the armband to the Portugal star.
Rangnick has continually defended United’s skipper dismissing claims there will be a change of captaincy mid-season.
He said last month: "Harry was injured. He came back and had a good game against West Ham and I am pretty sure he can play at the same kind of level.
"The way we are playing now is new to him, also because in the English national team he is used to playing in a back three and here at Manchester United in a back four, but still not being as proactive with that kind of defence when we try and be on the front foot trying to defend.
"This is something new to him and it will take some time for him to get used to that and adjust to that. He is our captain and I don’t see any reason to change that. He is also a player who has to develop and get better like all the other players."
