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Peter Schmeichel was convinced Harry Maguire was “Made for Manchester United” from the moment he saw the defender make his home debut for Leicester .

England centre-back Maguire impressed on his first United start in a 4-0 win against Chelsea after a world-record £80million move from the Foxes last week.

Maguire’s stock has soared since a bargain £17m switch from relegated Hull in June 2017 to the King Power Stadium, where his career has rocketed.

The classy 6ft 4in ball-playing centre-back, 26, has since won 20 caps for England, playing every game at the 2018 World Cup as Gareth Southgate’s side made the semi-finals.

It prompted United to first make their move a year ago to try to land Maguire.

(Image: Getty Images)

But United’s legendary goalkeeper Schmeichel, who made 398 appearances for the Reds from 1991 to 1999 and lifted 10 major trophies, has had his eye on Maguire even longer.

Schmeichel is a regular at Leicester as his son Kasper is the Foxes’ No.1.

He says Maguire struck him as a United star in the making after seeing his impressive home debut in a 2-0 win over Brighton in August 2017, when the defender also scored.

Schmeichel reflected: “I have to say when I saw Harry the first time for Leicester when he played his first game he intrigued me straight away.

“A couple of games in I am thinking, ‘This guy is made for Manchester United ’. He is not fazed about anything.

“Everyone will agree in the World Cup he played every game, just got on with it and was arguably was one of the best players in the English team.

(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)

“He brings all that and an incredible ability to bring the ball forward. It is something you either have or don’t have and very few centre halves have that ability.

“For some people he looks a bit awkward but I have got used to him and know exactly what he will do and think he will do very well.

“He is going to bring stability in defence. He is a very calm, cool customer. There is nothing erratic about him.

“You had all the big clubs looking at him and I felt he would go all summer because of the money involved.”

Schmeichel reckons the arrival of Maguire and youngsters like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James fit the DNA of United.

And Schmeichel believes keeping shot-stopper David de Gea on a new long-term deal was also a key piece of business.

(Image: EMPICS Sport)

He is now expecting a considerable improvement from United, who finished sixth last term after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in December.

Schmeichel, speaking at the British Par 3 golf Championship, added: “David was a great signal that we start off with arguably our best performer over the last five years.

“We have tied him down, he is staying and now we move on and build on that.

“We had a few guys who have been instrumental like Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera who have left with their contracts running out.

“They have had to be replaced by Manchester United youth which is a very position thing.

“Wan-Bissaka has come in and Daniel James who are good exciting young British players.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

“They are still a bit raw but massively talented and that is proper Man United DNA. You find those kind of players and develop them.

“I also know Ole has worked really hard on getting the players fitter than they have ever been and that is going to stand them in good stead.

“That is going to be a big difference to last season and the season before. I think it is about longevity – duration not only in games but in the course of the season as well.

“The fitter you are, the longer you last. It is an interesting season and I am really looking forward to it.

“We all want Man United to do a lot better. I am very positive we will see a big improvement.

“But I don’t think you change from being one to the next over the course of just one summer.”