Ole Gunnar Solskjær singles out two unsung Manchester United heroes

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has singled out two Manchester United players for praise after enduring tough seasons.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær was Manchester United‘s manager for just over two and a half years before he was sacked in November 2021 due to poor results at the start of the 2021/22 season.

Solskjær’s era at the club was defined by some of the highest highs the club has seen in the last decade mixed in with some of the lowest lows, with the Norwegian battling the unique circumstances of lockdown and COVID regulation football.

Speaking recently, Solskjær has heaped praise on Harry Maguire, who he signed from Leicester City for £80 million in 2019 and subsequently made club captain after the departure of Ashley Young later in that season.

Read More: UEFA confirm Manchester United may be kicked out of the Champions League

“I think he has dealt with it in a fantastic way,” he explained Nettavisen about the drama that has surrounded Maguire. “It has not been easy. I have kept in touch with him and I have nothing but praise for the guy.”

Maguire was set to leave the club in the 2023 summer transfer window, but a £30 million move to West Ham collapsed after personal terms could not be agreed.

“He has been in it,” Solskjær continued. “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’.”

The manager also waxed lyrical about another player, Scott McTominay, who played a pivotal role during Solskjær’s time at the club and has recently fought his way back into Erik ten Hag’s side

“I knew they had it in them,” he said, speaking about both players. “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.”