Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Harry Maguire for a world record fee for a defender - and it means the club now have seven senior centre-backs in their squad.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and now Maguire to choose from, plus the injured Eric Bailly on the treatment table — unless a centre-back is sold before the transfer window closes.
It seems, though, that Lindelof will be Maguire's regular defensive partner.
The Swede was consistent last season so, although the addition of Maguire will give Solskjaer options at the back, there seems to be one overwhelming choice for the new manager now.
Barring further injuries, United are almost certain to line up with Maguire and Lindelof at centre-back and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw as their full backs, in front of goalkeeper David de Gea.
That is a fairly solid looking back line and could allow Solskjaer to play either 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, which will likely depend on the opposition. Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba appear to be United's first choice as a midfield two — in a system that could be used more often if Solskjaer is confidence he has a solid defence.
If not, the Norwegian could revert to the 4-3-3 he played regularly last season, with that duo joined by Nemanja Matic or Fred.
Either way, it looks like United's search for a centre-back after 12 long months of chasing, is over and their side will be strengthened by the arrival of Maguire, who could make his debut in the Premier League opener against Chelsea on August 11st.
With many of the other centre-backs likely to stay at the club, someone like Smalling or Jones could join Maguire and Lindelof in a back three, but United fans have already stated their excitement at the prospect of Maguire and Lindelof playing together.
How United could line up with Maguire:
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