Andy Mitten can share what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks about Manchester United’s recent performances and reveal his verdict on Harry Maguire, having worked closely with the experienced defender.
The turnaround under Michael Carrick has been sensational, starting with wins over title-chasing duo Man City and Arsenal to sitting third in the Premier League.
It’s with valid reason that Carrick is now a serious candidate to become head coach beyond the 2025/26 campaign.
Carrick returned to Old Trafford with plenty of experience, having worked as a coach at United under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on top of a spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with new signing Harry Maguire
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What is Michael Carrick’s best decision at Man Utd so far?
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still rates Harry Maguire as a regular top performer
The turnaround at United has been enjoyed by many from the team, coaching staff, and fans.
It’s even helped Harry Maguire earn his spot back in the England squad for the March international, though he’ll still be at risk of missing out on a World Cup place when Thomas Tuchel makes his big decision.
All Maguire can do is continue working hard and performing at a high level.
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United We Stand editor and respected journalist Andy Mitten has had contact with Solskjaer, sitting with him during matches, and says the Norwegian regularly picks out Maguire for standout moments.
Of course, it was Solskjaer who was manager when Maguire joined United in 2019.
Speaking about Maguire, Mitten told the United We Stand YouTube channel: “He had a good start to his United career. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer really took to him.
“And even now, he really, really rates Harry Maguire. I’ve sat with Ole watching games and the one he’s picking out all the time is Maguire. And he says things like, ‘first to every ball, first to it, first contact in the air.’ And that’s true.”
Maguire has been a mainstay in United’s defence since Carrick returned, but he has been ruled out against Leeds due to suspension.
That means Carrick will need to rely on Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, unless Lisandro Martinez returns to availability following a spell out.
Are you confident Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven can handle Leeds with Harry Maguire suspended?
What did you think of Maguire's sending off vs Bournemouth?
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Harry Maguire had suitors in the transfer window
Maguire is held in high regard at United.
As one of the top professionals in the dressing room, in his latter years, there’s an acceptance that there needs to be a new deal on reduced terms.
Progress is being made on that front with Maguire confirming contract talks while on international duty.
However, the England centre-back would have had options to move elsewhere.
According to The Athletic, Maguire had suitors in January lining up for the summer, when his current contract expires.
That includes four Serie A clubs, three Premier League outfits and one of the big Turkish sides.
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