Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has declared that the club's current crop of centre-backs deserves to be considered among the best in Europe.
The Dutch defender earned a fearsome reputation during three seasons at Old Trafford, helping United win a string of trophies including the Champions League.
Stam believes that David Moyes will inherit a defensive group capable of matching Europe's best, with experienced figures Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans supported by talented youngsters Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
He told the club's official website: "Nowadays, a lot of people ask who is the best defender in Europe.
"It's very hard to name one but I think, if you look at United's group of central defenders, they have got a good mixture between old and young.
"They are quality players and there are not many teams in Europe who have got the choice that United have got in that position."
The 40-year-old has embarked on a coaching career and currently works as assistant manager at his first professional club FC Zwolle.
