Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United, Leeds, English Premier League
Rumors suggested the Englishman could be stripped of the armband in favor of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

With fans calling for Harry Maguire to be stripped of the Manchester United armband and claims of a power struggle for the captaincy between the Englishman and Cristiano Ronaldo emerging, Ralf Rangnick was forced to address this issue ahead of Sunday's showdown with Leeds.

The Three Lions center-back has come under heavy criticism this season, mainly due to the former Leicester ace's dip in form. However, the lack of leadership shown both on and off the pitch by the world's most-expensive defender has led to supporters demanding he be relieved of the captaincy.

Additionally, reputable German tabloid Bild reported a few days ago that summer signing Cristiano Ronaldo was keen on leading the dressing room with his clique, which has caused friction with Maguire and a few other English players.

But will be captaincy be taken off Harry, as the rumors suggested, and given to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner who led his nation to Euro 2020, their first major international title, as well as the 2019 UEFA Nations League title? Rangnick addressed this issue publicly and unequivocally denied all the rumors.

"I have never spoken with any player about a change of captaincy. This has never been an issue. It is me who decides who is captain," the interim boss stated, as per the Athletic.

"Harry is our captain and he will stay captain until the end of the season."

The former RB Leipzig boss also refuted claims of tension in the Old Trafford dressing room, adding: "I am not frustrated at all because I know the truth. Harry as captain has never been an issue. All the other stuff, I don't listen to that noise.

"My focus is on preparing the team for the next game. I have seen what is written.

"From my own experience the last 10 weeks, yes players were unhappy until the closure of window. The squad was too big, they wouldn't get game time.

"The atmosphere has improved, definitely better than it used to be a couple of weeks ago. It is about performing well, showing togetherness on the pitch. Those are the things we can influence."

Maguire also went public with his response, following in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford. The Man United skipper addressed another report by The Mirror which claimed he and Ronaldo were fighting for the armband, which he flat-out denied.