“My decision”- Solskjaer claims playing 28-year-old Man United star against Leicester was a huge risk

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·16 October 2021

“My decision”- Solskjaer claims playing 28-year-old Man United star against Leicester was a huge risk

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits that it was his decision to play Manchester United star Harry Maguire against Leicester City

Speaking in the post-match press conference (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that it was a risk to play Harry Maguire against Leicester City.

The 28-year-old suffered a calf injury against Aston Villa last month, and there were doubts regarding whether the player will start against Leicester City. Raphael Varane had picked up an injury during international duty, leaving Solskjaer with two choices.

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The Norwegian could either play two out of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones or start Maguire. The 48-year-old chose the latter, and the club captain was at fault for 3 of Leicester’s four goals on the day as United only managed to muster 2 in the back of Leicester’s net.

Solskjaer explained after the game regarding his selection of Maguire. He told the reporters in the post-match press conference (h/t Manchester Evening News):

“It was my decision to play Harry. He’s worked really hard on the rehab with the physios, and he looked ready, he didn’t feel any after-effects, he trained with us, he looked sharp… Maybe he needed that first half to get going, but I thought he got better and better throughout the game, more comfortable on the ball, the game was ebbing and flowing.“I’ve got to say when you concede two goals from set-plays, one goal ten seconds after you’ve scored, the focus and concentration, I’m not pointing fingers at any specific player, we all need to do better.”

The English international certainly did not paint himself in glory today as he often looked lethargic and off-the-paces. However, these are the decisions managers have to stand by as they could come off sometimes in their favour, unlike what happened with Solskjaer today.

However, the centre-back has gained match-fitness now after playing his first game after nearly three weeks, and with tougher fixtures to come, United’s captain will need to rise to the occasion.