Ole: Maguire was my number one target
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that new signing Harry Maguire was his number one transfer target this summer.
Maguire joined Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in arriving at Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, which closed on Thursday evening, after completing his move from Leicester City on Monday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener against Chelsea, Solskjaer revealed the moment he wanted to sign the Sheffield-born centre-back, after the Reds faced the Foxes in the Premier League back in February.
"I'm delighted that we got Harry in," Ole told reporters. "He's going to be great for this club. He was my number one target, and of course it took some time, but it does sometimes take time.
"I, more or less, made my mind up when we played Leicester last season that if it's possible to get him we should try, because he's so composed on the ball and he gives the team another dimension.”
Although he's only been a Red for a matter of days, Ole has been pleased with how Harry has integrated himself into the squad, and has high hopes of the defender going into the new campaign.
"He's already come in and shown the presence that he will be and what impact he'll have in the squad," said the boss.
"He's a leader, an established international, a goal threat, a very, very good defender."
The England international is one of a number of defenders competing for a regular starting place in Ole's line-up this season.
However, the manager hopes to limit rotating his back four once the season gets under way, allowing the players time to gel and form a cohesive defensive unit on the pitch.
"It is important to have a foundation to build from and to play from, and the spine of the team is always key. If we can get a settled back four with David in behind them, I'm sure we'll create enough chances to score goals.
"They're not just defenders these boys. They've all got attacking attributes, as well as being good defenders."
Ole believes that our three new signings will give the squad a boost for the campaign ahead, with the Reds aiming to compete domestically and in the Europa League.
"I feel we're on the right track," the boss added. "I feel I have a better squad and a better team and a better foundation now for us to, this season, improve and take that first step, because it will take time as I've said a few times before in the summer."
Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.