Manchester United boss Solskjaer backs 'resilient' Harry Maguire to bounce back after England red card but defender a doubt for Newcastle trip; Solskjaer on Paul Pogba: "He's going to be here for another two years and I'm sure Paul is focused on doing his best for us"
Friday 16 October 2020 15:50, UK
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes outsiders are trying to create a division at the club following reports midfielder Bruno Fernandes had lost faith in his manager.
Reports emerged over the international break claiming Fernandes was unhappy with Solskjaer after the 6-1 home defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.
Fernandes, though, was quick to shut down any talk of a rift between him and his manager when asked on international duty with Portugal, saying the stories were created to "destabilise" the group.
Solskjaer was pleased with the response of his midfielder, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon in January, and told him: "Welcome to Manchester United, this is what happens when you lose a couple."
"It's one of those things - you have to get over it as soon as you can and move on," said Solskjaer of the thrashing by Spurs.
"We know any little chance from outside they want to create a division. I think Bruno spoke really well the other day, saying, 'We are united and we have to stay together'.
"We can't listen to everyone outside, we've got to just get on with it.
"Bruno has lost now two league games since he came to the club and he came in February, although it's been two in quick succession, so he's not used to losing league games for us.
"They're going to try and create a division between us, but that's not going to happen because this group wants to stick together."
United captain Harry Maguire is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Newcastle, says Solskjaer, but he also expects the defender to overcome his nightmare start to the season.
Maguire's poor form for United followed him during the international break with England and he was sent off in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Denmark in the Nations League.
Solskjaer said: "When Harry is part of the England team that beats number-one ranked Belgium, that's just a normal day and then you get the headlines when you get the sending off. That's just football for you.
"There's so many ups and downs that we have got to deal with it, individually and as a group.
"Harry's got great resilience. I know he'll bounce back. I'll know that he wants to play, he wants to just work his way out of the last couple of games that he's been criticised [for].
"He picked up a knock against [Denmark] just before he came off, so I'm just hopeful he'll be fit. We've had a look at him yesterday (Thursday) and will give him a test again today."
It was already a difficult international break for United and Solskjaer, made worse by midfielder Paul Pogba once again flirting with his "dream" move to Spanish giants Real Madrid while away with France.
Pogba, whose deal expires at the end of this season, also said there had been no approach from United over a new contract.
United can extend Pogba's deal by an additional 12 months, something Solskjaer appeared to confirm the club would be doing, as he responded to the World Cup-winner's latest comments on Real and his future.
"Paul's our player, he's going to be here for another two years and I'm sure Paul is focused on doing his best for us and we want to see the best of Paul," Solskjaer said.
"So, in the next next couple of years I'm sure we'll get the best out of him."
