Coach Solskjaer praises Maguire.

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told Norwegian media that he remains in contact with Harry Maguire and is pleased that his former pupil is playing well.

"I think Maguire has handled everything brilliantly," Solskjaer, who managed Man Utd from 2018-2021, told Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen on November 23. "It's not easy to overcome criticism. I've kept in touch with him and lately there's been nothing but praise. It's not easy to leave Man Utd, because you know that almost every next destination is not as good as this club. Maguire's efforts have paid off; he's a good player and has a heart for the team."

When Solskjaer was managing Man Utd, the club signed Maguire from Leicester City in the summer of 2019, making him the most expensive defender of all time at $100 million. Just five months later, the Norwegian manager gave Maguire the captain's armband and remarked that he was one of the best center-backs in the world .

Solskjaer (left) during his time working with Maguire at Man Utd. Photo: Sports Mail.

In his early years at Man Utd, Maguire demonstrated leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. However, the 30-year-old defender has declined significantly in recent seasons. He was relegated to the bench by manager Erik ten Hag last season and then stripped of the Man Utd captaincy this summer. The club's management wanted to offload Maguire to West Ham, but he insisted on staying and competing for a place in the starting lineup.

After a period of being sidelined by manager Ten Hag, Maguire reclaimed his starting place thanks to his relentless efforts. In the last five Premier League matches, he played the full 90 minutes in each, making a significant contribution to Man Utd's four victories. "I guess he's gradually learned who to listen to," Solskjaer added. "I'm delighted that Harry has proven what kind of player and person he is. That's why I gave him the captain's armband."

Along with Maguire, another player once favored by Solskjaer, midfielder Scott McTominay, has also performed well this season and is gradually winning over manager Ten Hag. "I know McTominay and Maguire have potential, and I think players like them deserve to be rewarded for their efforts," Solskjaer commented on his two former favorites. "They are both the type of players you want in your team."

Man Utd currently sit sixth in the Premier League with 21 points, and are bottom of Group A in the Champions League, one point behind their rivals for qualification, Galatasaray and Copenhagen. After an away match against Everton on November 26th, Maguire and his teammates will travel to Türkiye to face Galatasaray on November 29th, before heading to Newcastle's St James' Park the following weekend.

Vy Anh

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