Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has heaped praise on two key first-team players this season after it seemed the pair would be leaving the club.
The former Manchester United boss has been speaking about his old side in a rare interview since his sacking from the club back in November of 2021.
Erik ten Hag’s United are in a good position following the international break and are the most in-form side in the Premier League after their tight win over Luton Town.
Two players, in particular, have impressed recently according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his choices might not surprise you.
Solskjaer’s praise
The Norwegian spoke to Nettavisen Sport and was full of praise for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay following their resurgent return to form.
“I think he [Maguire] has dealt with it in a fantastic way,” he said. “It has not been easy. I have kept in touch with him and I have nothing but praise for the guy.
“He has been in it. It’s not easy to leave Manchester United because you know there’s a downturn almost everywhere you go.
“You get paid for your efforts when you are that type when you are a good footballer and show that you have a heart for the club,
“I guess he has gradually learned who to listen to. I am very happy that Harry in particular shows what kind of player he is, but not least what kind of type and person he is. That’s why I made him captain. We in Norway call it ‘hell wood’.”
“I knew they (McTominay and Maguire) had it in them, and I think it’s these types of people who get paid for their efforts and get paid back for what kind of people they are… They are the kind of people you want in a team.”
The Norwegian ex-United manager came in for consistent criticism for playing the pair whether they were in or out of form but the duo, who could have been sold this summer, are arguably now first-choice starters.
Maguire and McTominay’s turnaround
A mistake that Solskjaer made with Maguire was awarding him the captaincy at the club. Since Ten Hag has stripped him of that responsibility, the former Leicester City defender has looked much more assured in his performances.
As for McTominay, he hasn’t made as big of an impact in the team as Maguire has but the Scottish midfielder, who netted again for his national side during the international break, has popped up with crucial goals for the Red Devils this season.
The question that will come up next summer is are these players good enough to be regular starters?
It doesn’t look like Ten Hag believes they are as United are keen on a new midfielder and a new centre-back, according to the Manchester Evening News.
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