Ralf Rangnick has admitted he can give Harry Maguire no guarantees about carrying on as Manchester United captain beyond the end of the season.
The interim United boss has dismissed claims that Maguire is involved in a dressing room power struggle for the skipper’s armband with Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Rangnick will move upstairs in an advisory capacity in the summer - and United’s next boss will then have a decision to make on whether £80million Maguire is the natural leader the Reds need going forward.
Rangnick said: “About the captaincy, we have a captain in Harry Maguire and he will stay the captain until the end of the season for sure.
“What will happen in the next one, two, three and four years, I don't know.
“For me, it's not of any importance. For me it's important what happens in the next three months.”
Maguire, 28, was made United captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer just over two years ago.
He had made the move to Leicester just five months earlier and had made a big impact on Solskjaer’s team.
But the England defender has suffered a dramatic drop in form this season after an outstanding Euros.
He has often played through the pain barrier to help United and he hasn’t been helped by constant changes at centre-back.
Rafael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have all been tried alongside Maguire.
Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford in the summer was always going to bring issues about who was United’s main man.
But Rangnick is adamant that there is no friction between Maguire and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Have Your Say! Who should be Man Utd captain next season? Join the debate here.
The former Hull defender will once again lead United when they run the gauntlet against Leeds at Elland Road.
Maguire has been hurt by the level of criticism levelled against him this season - and cupped his ear towards his detractors when he scored for England against Albania at Wembley in November.
That prompted a fresh dig from legendary United skipper Roy Keane, who described his celebration as “embarrassing.”
