Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed his profound shock at how the club's progress under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dramatically unravelled, as speculation mounts over a potential sensational return for the Norwegian to Old Trafford.
Maguire's Candid Reflections on Solskjaer Era
Speaking in an interview on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel back in August, Maguire reflected openly on his time playing under Solskjaer. The centre-back confessed he felt "the best I've ever felt" in a team during the manager's first two full seasons in charge.
Solskjaer initially took over on an interim basis in December 2018 following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho. His strong start secured him the permanent role by March 2019. Under his leadership, United achieved consecutive top-three Premier League finishes in 2020 and 2021, and reached the Europa League final in 2021, losing on penalties to Villarreal.
However, a poor run of form at the start of the following campaign led to his sacking in November 2021, with the team seventh in the table.
"It Just Never Clicked" – The Third Season Collapse
Maguire revealed the squad's high expectations after a summer of major signings in 2021, which included Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo. "We just couldn't believe what happened," Maguire stated. "We finished third and second and then... you're thinking here we go now, let's go and win the Premier League. And it just never happened. It just never clicked."
He paid tribute to Solskjaer's coaching team, which included Kieran McKenna and Michael Carrick. "The way that he set us up in them first two years is probably the best I've felt in a team," Maguire said. "Those three had us so well organised... tactically brilliant, pragmatic. We could play, we could press. But yeah, the third season I was there, it just didn't work."
Solskjaer's Potential Shock Return to Old Trafford
Maguire's comments emerge at a pivotal moment, with Solskjaer now being touted for a shock return to Manchester United as a caretaker manager. This follows the club's recent split with Ruben Amorim.
The defender's glowing endorsement could serve as a powerful testimonial for Solskjaer's potential comeback. Reports suggest that senior players within the squad would be receptive to his return, including club captain Bruno Fernandes, whom Solskjaer signed from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.
Fernandes himself had previously defended Solskjaer prior to his dismissal, telling Sky Sports the manager had done "a really good job" and created a "big improvement."
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick, who worked alongside Solskjaer and left Middlesbrough in the summer, is also understood to have been approached about the role. In the interim, Under-18s boss Darren Fletcher is set to take charge of the upcoming fixtures, starting with Wednesday's Premier League match at Burnley.
The prospect of Solskjaer's return reignites debate about his legacy and whether the foundations he built, which Maguire so admired, can be successfully revisited at Old Trafford.
