Harry will be my bright Van man

OLE

GUNNAR SOLSKJAER insists £80million Harry Maguire will have the same huge impact on Manchester United that Virgil van Dijk had on rivals Liverpool.

After just a handful of training sessions since his world recordbreaking fee for a defender, Maguire (above) has convinced Solskjaer that he’s a gamechanging signing for United.

After pursuing him all summer, Solskjaer has no doubts that the 26-year-old Sheffield-born centre-back will lift his stars to another level.

“I don’t want to compare us to Liverpool or Harry to Van Dijk” said Solskjaer. “But I know Harry is going to have a massive impact on us. Already this week when he has been in, you can see the impact he has had as a presence in the group.

“He’s a leader, an established international, a goal threat and a very, very good defender – but also a very composed ball player.

“I’m delighted we have got Harry in because he’s going to be great for this club. He was always my number one target.

“Of course, it took some time but it does occasionally. I more or less made my mind up when we played Leicester last season that if it was possible to get him then we should – or at least try.

“He is so composed on the ball and gives the team another dimension.”

Maguire will make his debut at Old Trafford against Chelsea today with United’s other summer signings – £50m fullback Aaron Wan-bissaka and £15m winger Daniel James – also set to be unveiled. But it’s Maguire who will carry the responsibility of organising and dominating United’s back line – with Solskjaer desperate for defensive stability after several seasons of chopping and changing the rearguard.

Swedish international Victor Lindelof is likely to be Maguire’s long-term, first-choice partner, with Solskjaer admitting he expects his defenders to provide attacking back-up.

“It is important to have a foundation to build from and to play from. The spine of the team is always key. If we can get a settled back four with David in behind them, I am sure we will create enough chances to score.

“These boys are not just defenders, they all have attacking attributes as well as being good defenders.”