Leicester City have released an official statement declaring their “unwavering support” for manager Claudio Ranieri.

This follows numerous reports alluding to emerging unrest within the Leicester changing room and increasing alienation between the players and their manager.

The Premier League champions have managed just five wins this season as they continue to languish near the foot of the table with 21 points to their name.

Saturday's defeat by Manchester United consigned the team to their fourth loss of the new year and with just one point now separating the Foxes from the bottom three, the threat of relegation now appears to be a real possibility for Ranieri's champions.

In a statement issued on their website, the East Midlands club said: “In light of recent speculation, Leicester City Football Club would like to make absolutely clear its unwavering support for its First Team Manager, Claudio Ranieri.

“While there is a collective appreciation from everyone at the Club that recent form needs to improve, the unprecedented success achieved in recent seasons has been based firmly on stability, togetherness and determination to overcome even the greatest of challenges.

“The entire Club is and will remain united behind its manager and behind its players, collectively and firmly focused on the challenges ahead.”

Following their historic season last year, Leicester have endured a torrid slump in form with Ranieri falling under increasing scrutiny for his side's meek performances.

Reports last week suggested that the relationship between the Italian and his team has begun to deteriorate, with the manager resorting to drastic measures to restore Leicester's form.

It's understood that: Ranieri has on occasion instructed his players to train on the morning of midweek games; players have been left confused by a change in tactics less than two hours before kick-off; and backroom staff have been angrily confronted in the dressing room by the Italian.

More recently, it was revealed that the team's post-match meal has been changed from chicken burgers to pasta, much to the players' reported annoyance.

With systems, line-ups and squad selections varying from week to week, Ranieri's old reputation as 'The Tinkerman' is now quickly returning.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel notably hit out at his team's "embarrassing" title defence in the wake of Saturday's defeat.

Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Kasper Schmeichel – 4 out of 10 The goalkeeper was a victim of United’s prolific strike force. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Danny Simpson – 5 out of 10 Caught out of position regularly and struggled to keep up with the winger's pace. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Wes Morgan – 6 out of 10 Kept Rashford relatively quiet, but was too motionless at times. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Robert Huth – 5 out of 10 His lack of pace allowed United’s forwards to burst through the defence on several occasions. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Christian Fuchs – 4 out of 10 Too static throughout and lacked effort. Though, he made a good tackle at the end to deny Mkhitaryan. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Danny Drinkwater – 4 out of 10 Certainly needs some shooting practice – wasted far too many chances in front of goal. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Wilfred Ndidi – 6 out of 10 Read the game well and caused United a problem when he ran with the ball. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Riyad Mahrez – 6 out of 10 When he received the ball, he made a nuisance of himself and looked confident in possession. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Shinji Okazaki – 4 out of 10 Saw very little of the ball – subbed at half time. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Ahmed Musa - 5 out of 10 Enticed a number of fouls from United, but these set pieces were usually wasted. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Jamie Vardy – 5 out of 10 Held the ball up well at times, but lacked so service so he failed to make an impact. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings David De Gea – 5 out of 10 A very quiet afternoon for the keeper, with few chances coming his way. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Antonio Valencia – 7 out of 10 Created a number of United moves and assisted Ibrahimovic’s goal. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Eric Bailly – 6 out of 10 A disciplined display – remained relatively untested throughout. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Chris Smalling – 7 out of 10 Was a rock at the back today and assisted Mkhitaryan’s goal. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Marcos Rojo – 5 out of 10 Gave away a number of unnecessary fouls. Subbed at half time. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Juan Mata – 6 out of 10 Deserved his goal, but he was arguably lucky to remain on the pitch after his sliding challenge that earnt him a yellow. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Ander Herrera – 6 out of 10 It was a mediocre display by a man of such ability. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Paul Pogba – 6 out of 10 Aside from the occasional burst forward, he did not have a huge impact on the United attacks. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 8 out of 10 He looked at home in the number 10 role. Read the game well, worked relentlessly and deserved his goal. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Marcus Rashford – 6 out of 10 Missed a great chance early in the first half. Was kept relatively quiet for the majority. Leicester 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 7 out of 10 Bagged his 20th goal of the season, created chances and made a nuisance of himself throughout.

"It's not a situation that's comfortable at all," Schmeichel told Sky Sports. "We're the reigning champions and quite frankly it's been terrible, it's been embarrassing."

Ranieri echoed his 'keeper's frustrations but denied speculation of changing room unrest.

"Everybody is frustrated,” the Italian said. “We are unhappy in the dressing room but it is important to react. We were solid and united last season, and it’s the same this season, without the results. But we are ready to fight until the end.

“It’s difficult but I’m used to fight, but also my players are used to fight, because Leicester is used to fight.