His lack of pace might not matter too much given Solksjaer's tactics, which worked quite well last season...until they didn't. Wan-Bissaka is also used to playing in that kind of system under Hodgson, and De Gea is the embodiment of a line 'keeper, so it's clear the direction they're following. At least there's something of a cohesive vision.
It will be interesting to see what happens if they ever have to rely on a plan b that might necessitate leaving more space at the back, because he doesn't strike me as an athlete. That £80m price tag also effectively makes him "too big to fail", so if he does happen to under-perform he probably gets longer to squirm in the spotlight than a less expensive player. I do wonder who else they could have gotten for that price...well, Matthijs de Ligt cost Juventus what, £67.5m? And Alderweireld, although getting on in years, would have likely cost a fraction of that fee.
Most of all, in the event that Solksjaer doesn't last much longer (perish the thought), what will the next manager make of him? Centre-backs with limited pace tend to suit deeper defensive lines, so how would that effect Maguire's position in the event that a more attacking coach comes in next (they're certainly due one after Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho and Solksjaer)? Or would the size of the investment mean that any new manager will be stuck with him regardless?
Interesting times ahead.
