Gareth Southgate praises Solskjaer for making Harry Maguire the Manchester United skipper
According to the Metro, England manager Gareth Southgate has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for handing the Manchester United captain’s armband to Harry Maguire last year.
The 28-year-old was handed the armband last year, before even completing a full season at the club. While he may have struggled initially, he has since risen to the occasion and is today a booming voice at the back.
Maguire is today an undroppable player for both club and country. England, too, are reaping the benefits as the defender continues to go from strength to strength at the Euros. They now face Denmark in the semifinals and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament so far.
Southgate is delighted with how much the centre-back has progressed in recent years and believes Solskjaer’s decision to give him the armband played a major role in it. The fact that Maguire has gone on to vindicate his manager’s decision speaks volumes about his ability as a leader.
“It’s brilliant to see how he has emerged with so much more confidence as a leader. You can see that within the group.”
It is not easy for a player to succeed at a club such as Manchester United given the expectations. More so when you’re handed the armband. Some, however, raise their game to meet the expectations and Maguire falls into this category.
“Being captain of Manchester United is a massive challenge, a massive responsibility but it’s brought a lot more out of him.”
Maguire may not be the best defender in the world and his massive price tag is often used as a whip to beat him. He is, however, a highly competent player who offers leadership and presence at the heart of the defence The fact that he has not only raised his game but also that of those around him is a testament to that.
“You can see he’s more confident in himself and has gone on to another level not just on his game but on his maturity.”
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His leadership is apparent for United and England, as both teams struggle in his absence. The Red Devils failed to keep a clean sheet during his absence last month while the Three Lions were far from convincing in their opening two games at the Euros.
With him now back in the reckoning, the sky is the limit for Gareth Southgate’s side. The Three Lions have a massive opportunity to win their first major title since the 1966 World Cup. With two games to go, a fit and in-form Maguire could very well be a difference-maker.