Dimitar Berbatov has urged both Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire to thrash out their issues as they tussle for Manchester United captaincy.
According to Mirror Sport, Maguire, 28, feels undermined by the presence of the Portugal international in the dressing room.
Ralf Rangnick is believed to have held discussions with the United skipper over relinquishing the armband for the rest of the campaign, allowing him to focus on his duties at centre-back.
Ronaldo has already been tasked with setting an example for United’s younger players and there is a growing sense he is a figure the team can rally around for the run-in.
But, Maguire is reluctant to give up his leadership role for fear he will never be able reclaim it, and there is said to be friction between him and the Portuguese forward.
Speaking on Friday, Rangnick denied claims there is an issue between Ronaldo and Maguire before saying the latter would stay on as captain.
Former Red Devils striker Berbatov, a two-time Premier League winner with the club, hopes this is true but warned the only way to solve the problem would be to hold showdown face-to-face talks.
“There is always rumour and gossip going around at any club and who knows if there is anything in the story of a clash between Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo over the captaincy,” the Bulgarian told Betfair .
“Harry says that’s not the case. I hope he’s right. But if there is something to it then I hope they can speak face-to-face and sort it out.
“What is for sure is that this is not the sort of thing United need right now. United are fighting for a top four spot which they need to achieve.
“Nobody needs to be talking about this stuff right in the middle of the season.”
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While Berbatov can appreciate why Ronaldo would be a good captain, he says Maguire would never shirk his responsibilities and his main hope is both of them can “f***ing sort it out”.
