Manchester United had to break a world record to get him, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is convinced that Harry Maguire will be the foundation stone on which they can build a brighter future.

Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when United met Leicester’s valuation of £80 million, usurping the £75m Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk in January last year.

The impact of the Dutchman on everyone at Anfield has been clear for everyone to see with his performances earning him the PFA Player of the Season award and being the rock at the back as the Reds won the Champions League.

Solskjaer is reluctant to compare his new man with Van Dijk, but United desperately hope Maguire can install some much-needed solidity in their rearguard.

Despite already having six central defenders on the books, a new one was top priority after United shipped 54 league goals last season, their worst figure for 40 years.