Ole gives positive Maguire update ahead of Europa League final

Ole Gunnar Solksjær has revealed that he is optimistic Harry Maguire will recover in time for Manchester United’s UEFA Europa League final against Villarreal.

The towering centre-half picked up an ankle injury in United’s 3-1 triumph against Aston Villa which hinted that he could miss the European showpiece in Gdansk.

However, the Norwegian gaffer believes his captain could make a return to the team, in time for their clash with Unai Emery’s charges after he held talks with the former Leicester City man.

“Hopefully we can have good news early but I’ll give it a while on Harry,” Solksjær said.

“He’s shown his importance. I felt I became a very good player when I was injured. People realise what you can do.

“Harry is our leader and he’s been a big miss at the moment. I’ll give him as long as he needs before he says yes or no.

“He’s making progress but we don’t want to test it out too early. Harry wants this so much but he doesn’t want to take risks either.

“When I spoke to him this morning, he was quite positive. We have to be positive and think he’s going to make it, until we have to say no. I’ve always been an optimist.”

The 28-year-old defender has been often lambasted for his displays but the Red Devils have struggled in his absence, conceding six goals in the two matches since his injury.

The England international’s interception, aerial duel and passing statistics are among the top-ranked in the division, and the former Leicester defender is an influential figure and leader even while off the pitch.

The next task for the record Premier League winners is a game against relegated Fulham then travel to Wolves on Sunday. May 26 is the date for the final of Europe’s second tier club competition.