FORGET KEANE AND HARRY ON
Solskjaer backs captain to silence critics
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says Harry Maguire can silence doubters questioning whether he remains the right man to lead Manchester United out of their slump.
Maguire’s confidence has looked shot for his club despite hitting the heights for England in the summer.
It has left some questioning whether he should retain the captain’s armband, with discontent in the stands and club legend Roy Keane calling his performances in a red shirt “a disgrace”.
But the big defender has a staunch ally in Solskjaer who, despite his own troubles, maintained Maguire remains the sort of character the club can rally round.
“He’s such a top professional and he’s going to prove critics wrong,” said the United manager. “I’ve not considered taking away any captain’s armband from him. He’s been an absolute stalwart for us on and off the pitch since he came in and he’s been a true pro.
“The so-called experts have their opinions and that’s their job to put their opinion that’s not something we have to worry too much about.
As a true example of a Man United player, Harry is always there for his team and his country.
“As a team we’ve not performed at the standard we know that we can do and at the levels we need to be at. Harry is not one to hide on the treatment table or try to find any excuse to sit out games. “He is a top pro who wants to be there for the manager every single time and he trains really well.
“I think this week going away and scoring a couple of goals for his country will help his form and confidence.”
The United manager will at least see a friendly face across in the opposing dug-out this afternoon after receiving backing from Watford boss Claudio Ranieri.
The Italian insisted United would be wise to give Solskjaer more time and felt that patience would be rewarded sooner rather than later. “I remember when Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Manchester United, how long was it for him before he won a trophy – three years?” said Ranieri.
“Give time to Solskjaer, because I have every confidence in him. A long time ago it was difficult to achieve this kind of job at a relatively young age.
“There are some good managers who start by making fantastic decisions and they go on to have a fantastic career. I wish him only a fantastic career.”
He’s been a stalwart on and off the pitch