With a week left before the Premier League opens, expectations are already high for the Maguire-Varane partnership.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips said the combination has the potential to be as good as what United had in the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
“You build a good side with a solid defence,” Phillips said. “Varane coming in alongside Harry Maguire, with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a very good backline.
“Wan-Bissaka is due a good season and Shaw was brilliant during the summer.
“From the era I played in when you had your Ferdinand’s and Vidic’s, it’s like Man Utd are getting back to that.
“Bringing in established players with that quality and in Varane they have that, he’s brilliant.
“I imagine the players are excited. It gives you a load of confidence, especially for the attackers.
“They now have two of the best in the world for that position, maybe it’s a sign of the times that they are getting back to where they once were.”