Ralf Rangnick DROPS captain Harry Maguire for Manchester United's match against Watford... but German boss blames decision on Champions League fatigue and 'tactical demands' against Roy Hodgson's men
- Ralf Rangnick has dropped captain Harry Maguire for the visit of Watford
- The Manchester United Interim boss says decision is down to 'tactical demands'
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka takes Maguire's place, Victor Lindelof reverts to centre back
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed he has dropped Harry Maguire due to fatigue from midweek and 'tactical demands'.
The United captain has been dropped to the bench for the visit of Watford, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka taking his place and Victor Lindelof reverted back to the centre back role, having played at right back against Atletico Madrid.
On his decision to drop Maguire, Rangnick explained: 'We came back in the middle of the night after the Champions League game.
![Man United captain Harry Maguire has been dropped to the bench for the visit of Watford](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/02/26/14/54687409-0-image-a-2_1645886624202.jpg)
Man United captain Harry Maguire has been dropped to the bench for the visit of Watford
'It is about fresh legs, energy and the tactical demands against this Watford team.'
Maguire has struggled for form and consistency this season, leading to calls for him to be dropped from the starting XI.
Rangnick did, however, recently back Maguire to maintain the captain's armband amid speculation of a 'power rift' between him and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking last week, Rangnick said: 'To start with, I must say this (rumour) is absolute nonsense. I have never spoken with any player about a possible change of captaincy.
'Harry (Maguire) is fully aware of that and so is Cristiano and are all the other players. This has never been an issue for me.
![Ralf Rangnick (pictured) says he has dropped Maguire due to fatigue and 'tactical demands'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/02/26/14/54687435-0-image-a-3_1645886662394.jpg)
Ralf Rangnick (pictured) says he has dropped Maguire due to fatigue and 'tactical demands'
'It's me who decides who is captain and therefore there is no reason for me to talk about this with any other person.
'Harry is our captain and he will stay our captain until the end of the season and there is nothing else to add on to that.'
United will be seeking to extend their lead on fifth place Arsenal when they take-on The Hornets, who they lost 4-1 to in the reverse fixture back in November.
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