Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emphasized the challenge of leaving Manchester United, especially after Harry Maguire opted to reject transfer interest during the summer. Despite being stripped of the club captaincy and facing scrutiny, Maguire chose to stay and fight for his place after spending much of the previous season on the sidelines.

Amidst ongoing criticism, Maguire’s recent resurgence in the first team has validated his decision to remain at the club. Solskjaer, who has maintained contact with Maguire since departing from Old Trafford, highlighted the difficulty of departing from a club of United’s stature.

“I think he has dealt with it in a fantastic way,” Solskjaer praised Maguire in an interview with Norwegian outlet Nettavisen. “It has not been easy. I have kept in touch with him and I have nothing but praise for the guy. He has been in it.”

“It’s not easy to leave Manchester United because you know there’s a downturn almost everywhere you go. You get paid for your efforts when you are that type, when you are a good footballer and show that you have a heart for the club.”

Solskjaer, who appointed Maguire as club captain during his tenure, believes Maguire’s dedication to resurrecting his United career exemplifies why he was given the armband.

“I am very happy that Harry in particular shows what kind of player he is, but not least what kind of type and person he is. That’s why I made him captain. We in Norway call it ‘hell wood’.”

While Erik ten Hag seemed open to Maguire departing in the summer, he has recently praised the defender following a series of impressive performances. In the aftermath of a Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen, Ten Hag acknowledged the intense competition for defensive positions, highlighting Maguire’s significant contributions and adaptability in the team.

“Rapha was brilliant in combination with [Lisandro] Martinez, and I can also see very good combinations with Jonny Evans or with Victor Lindelof. But there’s internal competition. Harry Maguire is doing very well in this moment. As I always said with Harry, he can do the job and now he’s showing it.” said Ten Hag

“Every time you have to swap your back four, it’s difficult. A new keeper coming in and then every time you have to form a new back four, the routines are not the same. Communication is important, it’s all split-second decisions. You need that cooperation and it has to work 100%. When it doesn’t work, you concede goals.”

Harry Maguire

Manchester United

Defender

England

Age: 31

194 cm

10 kg

Season 2023/2024

See all

Played 3 3 Missed

Minutes 170 56.7 Avg

Goals 1 0.3 Avg

Assist 0 0.0 Avg

Attempt 2 0.7 Avg

Passes 137 45.762.7% AvgSucc

Yellow 0 0.0 Avg

Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 7 times for 476 minutes for Premier League.

Harry Maguire didn’t score any goal for Manchester United. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 6th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United won 1-0 against Luton Town. The next match in Premier League will be against Everton.