Rangnick and Fernandes defends Maguire against criticism

has attracted heavy criticism for his displays in a

defence and was booed while playing for England, but Rangnick praised his performance against Leicester.

Rangnick told Sky Sports:

”The reaction of our supporters [to Maguire] was as it always is.

"They are one of the best [fanbases], if not the best, in England.

"Harry played well, he had a flawless game today both defensively and offensively. It was a solid performance from him.”

has blamed the media for the ongoing criticism club captain Harry Maguire has received in recent months.

"It's tough that your own country boos you in a game for the national team,"

Fernandes told Sky Sports.

"It's maybe because of the media.

"It wasn't because of his performance, he played really well in that game. Sometimes the media should think a little bit more when they do things.”

Manchester United are three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal having played two games more, but Rangnick is refusing to give up on his team hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

"The second half was the better one,"

he said.

"I think for most of the first half we were struggling to find our rhythm, maybe because of the long [international] break.

"The second half was better, but giving a goal away on a transitional moment didn't make it easy.

"I think the reaction after the goal we conceded was good, we came back and scored a goal, then had two or three good moments where we could have scored the winning goal, but we didn't.

"In the end we are not happy with the result, but the second half was okay.

"As long as it [fourth place] is possible mathematically, it is possible. It is our job and duty to do our best to finish on the best possible note.”

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