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Rob DawsonReporter
Manchester United Owner Ralf Rangnick says the atmosphere in the dressing room at the club has improved since he took over as caretaker manager.
There have been reports of a rift in the squad at Old Trafford but Rangnick said their mood is “better” after allowing “unhappy players” like Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek will leave on loan in the January transfer window.
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“My focus is on the team, the next game,” Rangnick said at a press conference on Friday. “Obviously, I’ve heard about what’s written. I can only tell you from my personal experience over the last 12 weeks, yes, there are unhappy players.
“The squad is so big, the players realize they won’t have a better game time and atmosphere than they did a few weeks ago for all the reasons I’ve said.
“For us, it’s about performing well, showing companionship on the pitch, winning games and those are the things we can influence, all the other things that we can’t. “
Rangnick, who brought his group to Leeds United on Sunday, also dismissed suggestions he might look for a replacement Harry Maguire being the captain while England defender working to find his form after being inundated.
“I never spoke to any player about the possibility of a captaincy change,” Rangnick said.
“This has never been an issue for me. I decide who captains. Harry is our captain and will stay on as our captain until the end of the season and nothing else for the team. that.”
United looking to win back-to-back at Elland Road after beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Edinson Cavani not available but Nemanja Matic Returning to training after an injury.
“Edinson Cavani will still be sidelined, he still has some problems with his groin and stomach,” Rangnick said. “The same is true for Tom Heaton.
“Apart from that, everyone else seems to be present. Nemanja Matic is back. He could be available, without Leeds, for the next two games.
“We are well aware the Leeds game is an important one for us, to keep our place in the table.
“We have an important one at Atlético Madrid [on Wednesday] in a competition, we want to advance to the next round and then we have Watford. “
