Ralf Rangnick has given his backing to Harry Maguire after the Manchester United skipper was booed on England duty.
A section of England fans booed Maguire's name when it was read out before England's 2-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast at Wembley on Tuesday. Maguire's England team-mates and national boss Gareth Southgate leapt to Maguire's defence in the wake of the booing towards Maguire, with United interim boss Rangnick joining them.
Asked if he had spoken to Maguire about the incident, Rangnick said: “Not yet, but I speak regularly since I am here. He knows my position, he has been a very valuable player and the captain of the club, also my captain. I didn't understand what was going on at Wembley but I'm pretty sure this will not 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 also Harry Kane. I didn't watch the game but I heard what had happened after they announced the starting line up. It's difficult to understand.
“I don't speak to the fans in person, but I'm pretty sure it won't happen in our stadium. For it to happen in an international game is unusual. 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.
“He is 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 and Harry are important players and players with the right attitude.”
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Rangnick welcomed Bruno Fernandes signing a new deal until 2026 and said: “It's very good news for the club, the fans, also for Bruno for him, to now he will be here the bext five years. No doubt he is a very important player for this club for this ream, I already congratulated him yesterday on his return from the World Cup qualifier.
“I watched both games on TV and he scored two goals.” United host Leicester tomorrow at Old Trafford in the Premier League, in a game they must win to preserve their chances of finishing fourth.
