Jose Mourinho in awe of “rock” Harry Maguire after MOTM performance against Chelsea
Jose Mourinho has offered a ringing endorsement of Harry Maguire’s defensive capabilities after Manchester United thrashed Chelsea 4-0.
United’s record signing made his Old Trafford debut on Sunday and produced a man-of-the-match performance as the Red Devils cruised to victory in their Premier League opener.
Maguire’s Man Utd introduction: Five things to know…
- Mourinho famously wanted to sign Maguire from Leicester last summer.
- But United refused to sanction the funds for Mourinho.
- Fast forward 12 months and United have secured the centre-back for £80m.
- Maguire played an integral role on his debut as Man Utd beat Chelsea 4-0.
- Mourinho lauded his defensive display and believes he “deserved” his MOTM award.
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Mourinho famously tried to sign a centre-back last summer, with Maguire a name heavily linked to Old Trafford, but the Portuguese ultimately failed to get his hands on a new defender.
However, this time around, the Red Devils managed to secure Maguire and he played a prominent role as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side pulled off their biggest ever Premier League victory against Chelsea, prompting rave reviews from Mourinho.
“He fully deserved the award [man-of-the-match], he was solid like a rock,” said Mourinho.
“You can be very dangerous in attack but if you feel that a mistake is around the corner it takes your confidence away and you don’t play as well. When you feel there is something that allows you to play you are much more confident.
“As I always said Lindelof can be a very good player. With Maguire, it can be a very good partnership.”
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“They can have a good season”
Mourinho went on to suggest that his former employers can enjoy a positive season under his successor but conceded that they will not be able to dislodge rivals Man City at the top of the Premier League table
“It is an amazing result,” added Mourinho.
“I must stick to my opinion: they will not be champions. But they can have a good season.”
Man Utd next travel to Wolves in the league, with Solskjaer no doubt keen to make amends from last season’s double defeat at Molineux.
