HARRY WON’T HIDE
Solskjaer is backing gaffe-prone Maguire to fight through crisis
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer insists Harry Maguire won’t hide from criticism and wants to play for Manchester United at Newcastle tonight — if he is fit.
The beleaguered United captain picked up a knock before he was sent off in England’s defeat by Denmark on Wednesday and is being assessed ahead of the clash at St James’ Park.
Maguire’s red card at Wembley followed his arrest on holiday in Greece in August and a series of errors that have contributed to United losing two of their first three Premier League games.
Solskjaer confirmed the Sportsmail story yesterday that Maguire doesn’t want to be taken out of the firing line — and said he has never considered dropping his under-fire skipper.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Maguire would benefit from a break, but Solskjaer backed the 27year-old to recover from his alarming slump in form.
‘He’s adamant he’s ready to play,’ said the United manager. ‘He doesn’t want to hide behind a red card or a bad performance — he wants to go out there and prove himself. I don’t doubt his resilience in that respect. He’s very professional so he wants to put himself up for selection.
‘Then it’s up to me and if I want to take him out of the firing line. I haven’t considered that without him coming to knock on my door. I speak to him regularly and he’s been very positive.
‘You speak to individuals. You sit down and look them in the eye and see where we go from here.
‘Harry is a leader, he’s a captain for us and it is still early on in the season. He missed the first internationals, he’s not had the preseason he had last season, but I’m sure he’ll bounce back.
‘He’s got great resilience and great personality. I know he wants to work his way out of the last couple of games when he’s been criticised. I just hope he can play because he picked up that knock just before the red card. I’m not sure if he’s going to be available yet.’
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce — who managed Maguire during his time at Hull — sided with Solskjaer.
‘He’s your captain. The only way you can get out of these situations, when things are against you, is to play,’ said Bruce.
‘I know the type of person Harry is — a genuinely good pro and good lad. It’s the first time in four or five years he’s had a bit of a blip. He’s had a wonderful rise from Hull to Leicester to captain of Man United.
‘But the one thing you need to do is encourage him, and keep playing him. That way, he can play his way out of it.
‘He needs a steady weekend to get him up and running again. Underneath all of it, you never lose your ability.’ United are desperate for a positive response after waiting two weeks to atone for their 6- 1 thrashing at home by Tottenham.
Solskjaer said: ‘ The spotlight should be on me because I’m the manager and I’m responsible. I hold my hands up.’