Ole Gunnar Solskjaer singles out two Man Utd stars for proving Erik ten Hag wrong

Harry Maguire has been one of Manchester United’s standout performers in recent weeks (AMA/Getty)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Harry Maguire for his response to criticism and insists the defender has proved why he should remain at Manchester United.

Maguire’s future at Old Trafford looked over in the summer after Erik ten Hag stripped him of the captaincy.

The England international was also given the green light to leave United, however, West Ham were unable to reach an agreement during the summer transfer window.

Maguire has struggled for playing time during Ten Hag’s reign but the 30-year-old delivered several solid performances before the international break.

And Solskjaer has been impressed with Maguire’s resurgence at United.

‘I think he has dealt with it in a fantastic way,’ Solskjaer told Nettavisen.

‘It has not been easy. I have kept in touch with him and I have nothing but praise for the guy.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made Harry Maguire captain during his time at Manchester United (Getty)

‘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’.’

Solskjaer also praised Scott McTominay, who was another player heavily linked with a move away from United in the summer.

‘I knew they 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,’ Solskjaer said.

‘They are the kind of people you want in a team.’

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