Solskjaer Talks Up Maguire’s Captaincy Credentials

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has indicated he sees summer buy Harry Maguire as a future Old Trafford captain.

United splashed out a reported £80million – a world-record fee for a defender – to snare the England international from Leicester City during the transfer window.

Maguire has been an ever-present in Solskjaer’s defence this season after four Premier League games, while current United skipper Ashley Young isn’t a guaranteed starter and has managed two appearances so far.

Young, 34, is due to fall out of contract next summer and it remains to be seen if he will remain with the club beyond the end of the current campaign, and Solskjaer has hinted Maguire could be in line to replace the former England international when Young does depart.

“He’s definitely a character and personality that can be captain of a big club,” said Solskjaer. “In the dressing room he’s a leader by performances, stature and behaviour. He’s a character you’d like to follow.

“Some are technical leaders, some are leaders by voice, he’s got the lot. I think he’s been brilliant. He’s come into the dressing room and been a leader.

“I’m sure he’s looking forward to playing against his old team. He’s going to be a big part of the future of this club. “We’ve watched him enough to know he’s the guy we wanted. That’s why we spent the money we did on him. Leicester didn’t want to lose him.”