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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 'Harry Maguire one of my best Manchester United signings'

Solskjaer: 'Maguire one of my best Man United signings'
© Reuters
Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that the signing of Harry Maguire at the beginning of his permanent reign was one of his best additions at Manchester United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he values Harry Maguire as one of his best signings during his time at Manchester United manager.

After a successful stint as caretaker boss, Solskjaer was handed the reins on a permanent basis in 2019, tasked with trying to get United back into the Premier League title picture.

That never materialised as United were among a number of clubs who watched Manchester City and Liverpool dominate England's top flight during his period in the dugout.

However, Solskjaer was given the freedom to make a wide array of high-profile additions, including that of Maguire during his first summer in the transfer market.

Maguire, who cost £80m, has since gone on to make 176 appearances in all competitions, winning an EFL Cup during that time.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire after the match on August 14, 2023© Reuters

Nevertheless, the England international has rarely been considered to be first choice by current boss Erik ten Hag and almost left Old Trafford during the off-season.

Furthermore, the 30-year-old has been consistently criticised for his performances over the past 18 months, a time when he has dropped to no higher than fourth in the pecking order.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Solskjaer has backed Maguire, describing the abuse aimed at the centre-back 'a disgrace" and stating that he ranks him as one of his best acquisitions.

The Norwegian said: "Bruno Fernandes came straight in and lifted the team. Harry Maguire – it's a disgrace that he's getting so much abuse.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pictured on August 7, 2021© Reuters

"I feel sorry for him, but he's a strong lad and I hope it turns for him. He raised our defence big time when he arrived and lifted the mood around the place.

"I can't remember every signing I made, but I should because there was a cap on three main ones every season."

Maguire has featured for just 23 minutes in the Premier League this season, although he recently represented England in games against Ukraine and Scotland.

Solskjaer has spoken in-depth on a number of matters during his time at United, feeling that it was the wrong decision to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.

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Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United on October 13, 2022
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