Harry Maguire calls for unity at Manchester United amid discontent at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decisions after Liverpool thrashing… as he reveals ‘big discussions’ have been held before their trip to Tottenham
- Manchester United are still reeling from their 5-0 loss to Liverpool last week
- Captain Harry Maguire has called for unity as United play Tottenham on Saturday
- Some United players have questioned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tactical decisions
- Maguire admits that ‘big discussions’ have been held by the Red Devils this week
Harry Maguire says Manchester United must find a way to regroup following the inquest into their 5-0 humiliation by Liverpool.
The United captain was one of several players to come under fierce criticism for his performance at Old Trafford last Sunday which has left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer clinging to his job as manager.
United players held a meeting at Carrington on Tuesday and, in a frank exchange with coaching staff, discussed what they believe is going wrong and how they can solve their problems.
Harry Maguire has called for unity at Manchester United after their 5-0 loss against Liverpool
Maguire (far right) and Co were thrashed at home by the Reds as Mo Salah (left) scored three
Midfielder Paul Pogba apologised to colleagues after his sending off. The France international, who is expected to leave at the end of his contract next summer, felt all the more repentant as he had been asked at half time not to do anything rash only to receive a red card 15 minutes later.
Pogba will miss Saturday’s trip to Tottenham as he starts a three match ban.
‘It’s a tough one to move on from but we need to move on,’ said Maguire.
‘It’s been a tough week obviously, you can’t just brush these things aside, especially when you lose to your rivals. To lose in the manner that we did was so disappointing.
‘We’ve obviously had big discussions, we’ve analysed the game and the goals and looked at how we can do better and improve.’
Captain Maguire (left) has revealed that ‘big discussions’ were made among the United squad
The nature of United’s defeat and recent performances generally has left their maligned coaching staff mulling over tactical changes and how their messages can get through more clearly.
The mood has been understandably sombre around Carrington. Sir Alex Ferguson, former captain Bryan Robson plus the likes of David Gill and Martin Edwards were all at the club training ground this week as they were measured for new club suits by designer Paul Smith.
All have offered support for Solskjaer and believe a change of manager would cause too much upheaval at this stage.
They believe a tougher approach from Solskjaer and tweaks in tactical approach could prove more effective in the short-term as the club’s board continues to take stock of the situation and what candidates could make a telling impact.
United’s players have questioned some coaching directions but Maguire and experienced figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo have been pressing home the need for unity if they are to recover swiftly.
United players questioned coaching decisions from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (right) after the loss
Maguire (left) and Co are training for Manchester United’s trip to Tottenham on Saturday
‘We know as a group of players we need to make sure we’re together and we’re positive,’ the 28-year-old Maguire told ManUtd.com.
‘There are lots of games to play in the Premier League, we’re in a strong position in the group in the Champions League and we’re still early on in the season. And it’s a season in which we know we can still achieve things.
‘That’s the most important thing now, we need to come together as a group and a club. We know our fans will be with us and come Saturday at Tottenham, like I said, they will be there in their numbers and I’m sure they’ll be singing and chanting and be right with us and getting behind us.’
Solskjaer is due to face the media at 1.30pm on Friday fully aware that another defeat at Spurs will put United’s board under more serious pressure to make a change.
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