Manchester United will be prepared for their Premier League opener against Chelsea next month even if they do not sign Harry Maguire.
That is the view of former academy graduate Ben Thornley, who says Axel Tuanzebe can partner Victor Lindelof next season.
Thornley, who came through United's ranks at the same time as the famous 'Class of 92', says Tuanzebe can act as a new signing.
The young defender played a key part in Aston Villa's promotion to the Premier League last season on loan at Villa Park, and now returns to United to break into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first team.
And Thornley says Tuanzebe's performances on the pre-season tour are deserving of a starting spot should a deal for Maguire fail to be agreed before the transfer window closes.
He told Tribalfootbal: "I feel [great about the way] the lads have been performing and certainly that the way the new lads have integrated into the team and performed so well so far.
"And with the introduction of Axel Tuanzebe, who obviously had that full season playing 30 odd times for Villa, he's like having a new player as well.
"Should we not get a Harry Maguire coming into the ranks, I have absolutely no nerves whatsoever that he could be a real solid defender alongside, I would imagine, Victor Lindelof as the other first choice."
