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Speaking to The Manchester Evening News, former Manchester United man Wes Brown has hailed the fledgling centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
What did he say?
Maguire arrived at Old Trafford in the summer for a world-record fee for a defender, and has been a prominent member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-team this season, making 18 appearances across all competitions.
Alongside him, Victor Lindelof has often been chosen as the man to lead the back-line, with the Swede himself featuring 16 times.
And having seen the duo only get to know each other for a few months, Brown insisted they can strike up a fine understanding for the future.
He said: "I think he’s been excellent along with the other two. Harry has stabilised the defence and we’ve looked a lot calmer. He has definitely helped the team. I think Victor is a good player and sometimes the stick isn’t granted but at the same time the two lads are trying to establish a partnership and you want everything to go very smoothly.
"Lindelof and Maguire as the season will go on will start understanding of a great partnership. Lindelof had a great season last year and Maguire coming in. He’s a full international, very experienced been there, done it, played in the Premier League for a long time. You can see he’s used to it and now hopefully those two can get the understanding and if they do then they could kick on very well."
No end result yet
Whilst Brown is particularly effusive in his praise of both Lindelof and Maguire, the proof hasn't been in the pudding as of yet. The Red Devils have already conceded 18 goals this season in the Premier League, whilst their big-money signing from Leicester hasn't exactly dominated things in defence.
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As per Whoscored, his average match rating this season in the Premier League is down at 6.88, compared to the 7.01 he enjoyed with the Foxes last year. His underlying numbers in key defensive stats have also taken a dip, making less tackles (0.7) and less clearances (3.9). If Maguire and Lindelof can forge a better understanding than Brown alludes to, then it would go a long way to rectifying United's issues.
Meanwhile, Manchester United shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security over the future of this key man.