By George Aluo
One man that is quite sure Manchester United did not waste money after signing Harry Maguire for a whopping 80 million pounds just before the EPL got underway on Sunday is the club’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Maguire, who moved to the Theatre of Dreams from Leicester City few days before action started in the premiership, became the EPL’s most expensive defender of all-time with the 80 million pounds deal he signed.
While many within and outside the club believe United should not have burned 80 million pounds on a defender, Solskjaer is dismissing such comments, insisting that Maguire is solid enough to be paid such a princely sum.
Solkskjaer while endorsing the deal stated: “Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today. He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure. He will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.”
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Interestingly while Solksjaer is hailing his new defence ace to the high heavens, his colleagues in the Man U technical crew are faulting his position.
According to reports, coming out of the club, most of the Man U backroom staff believe Victor Lindelof is the ‘superior’ defender, despite the £50 million valuation difference between them.
It would be noted that Maguire was keen on joining Manchester last summer and spoke to Jose Mourinho about a move to the North-west but he signed a new deal with the Foxes and made a gentleman’s agreement that he would be allowed to move at a later date.
The 26-year-old was expected to go straight into the side that took on Chelsea in their Premier League opener on Sunday, partnering Lindelof.
Analysts have also warned that Maguire may end up not playing to his full potentials, as he is likely to be weighed down by the tag of the world’s most expensive defender.
The former Leicester strongman signed a six-year deal with an option of one-year extension.
