Rangnick's captaincy order as Man Utd leadership group emerges after split

Manchester United's dressing room culture has come under the spotlight amid their recent struggles.

The Mirror revealed last week that new interim manager Ralf Rangnick was battling to unite the squad after their defeat to Wolves.

Cliques are understood to have formed within United squad with reports of a 'split' in the dressing-room whilst various disillusioned players are looking to leave.

But the last few games have at least added some clarity to one area - how Rangnick views the captaincy situation and his leadership group.

Harry Maguire has retained the captaincy that he was handed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and there are no indications he is in danger of losing that role.

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With Maguire missing some games with injury in recent weeks and Rangnick rotating his squad, the hierarchy below the England ace has emerged.

When Maguire missed their loss against Wolves, Cristiano Ronaldo was handed the captain's armband for the first time since his return.

Speaking ahead of the game, Rangnick explained his choice, stating: "He is the most experienced player.

"The choice was David de Gea or him, but I wanted to have a few players with the captaincy."

Bruno Fernandes was left out of the starting line-up on that occasion, but returned as United faced Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Monday.

On that occasion, Fernandes took the armband ahead of David de Gea, although the Spanish goalkeeper took over the role when Fernandes was replaced.

That would indicate that Rangnick's order of captain's when Maguire is ruled out is to first turn to Ronaldo followed by Fernandes and De Gea.

After Monday's game, Rangnick also talked up Scott McTominay as a future United captain, indicating he also views him as a leader in the dressing room despite not yet handing him the armband.

"He is an academy boy, his energy is amazing," Rangnick said of the Scot.

"He now also starts scoring goals and also with some leadership skills. I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years he would be the captain of this team."

Despite grappling to keep the dressing room together, Rangnick has seemingly indicated Maguire, Ronaldo, Fernandes, De Gea and McTominay are five players he believes he can trust.

Amongst unrest and uncertainty at Old Trafford, the German will rely on those five to keep the team together in a bid to improve their form over the remainder of the season.