Maguire was always top target, says Ole
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER had only been at Manchester United six weeks when he took the decision to try and build a new defence around England international Harry Maguire.
At the time, United’s 1-0 win at Leicester on February 3 was regarded as another successful audition for Solskjaer, who was in interim charge following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. But the Norwegian was so impressed with Maguire’s contribution on and off the ball, and his threat at set pieces, that he knew he wanted him at Old Trafford should he be given the job on a permanent basis.
‘I made my mind up then that if it was possible to get him, we would. He was always my number one target,’ reveals Solskjaer who is ready to throw the world’s most expensive defender straight in for his United debut against Chelsea today.
‘He is so composed on the ball and gives the team another dimension.’
Though United’s overall transfer window is open to question as they failed to sign replacements for Ander Herrera and Romelu Lukaku, one bonus is that Solskjaer is left what looks like a strong and stable back four that could serve the club for years.
Right-back Aaron WanBissaka has been signed from Crystal Palace for £50million, in the centre Maguire and Swedish World Cup player Victor Lindelof looks an impressive pairing, and Luke Shaw is returning to form at left-back having taken two years to recover fully from a broken leg.
With David de Gea staying at Old Trafford this season even though his much-vaunted new contract hasn’t yet been formally announced, the most optimistic forecast is that Solskjaer’s new-look defence might rival some of the great United partnerships of old. After all, Maguire is the oldest of the quartet and he is only 26.
Older United fans will remember the line-up of Parker, Bruce, Pallister, Irwin that helped Sir Alex Ferguson win his first Double, or Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra that set the team off on a run of three league titles in a row. Maguire has been signed as the new leader.
The way he was able to leave Leicester in a protracted £80million deal without ever losing his cool during the long saga speaks volumes for the player who became a national treasure last summer for his role in helping England reach the World Cup semi-final.
‘Harry has already shown what a presence he will be and what an impact he will have in the squad,’ said Solskjaer.
‘He’s a leader, an established international, a goal threat, a very, very good defender — and also a very composed ball player.
‘I don’t want to compare us to Liverpool or Harry to (Virgil) van Dijk but I know Harry is going to have a massive impact on us. You can see the impact he’s had on the group in the week he’s been in.’