Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has expressed his belief that Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could replace Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in defence.
New United manager Louis van Gaal is expected to bring in defensive reinforcements when the experienced duo of Vidic and Ferdinand leave Old Trafford this summer.
However, Pallister believes that Jones and Smalling could establish themselves as the first-choice partnership in the centre of defence.
"I think if you look at both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both arrived at the club and settled into things really well at centre-half," Pallister told the Manchester Evening News.
"Then they were moved, Phil into midfield and right-back and Smalling has played an awful lot of games at right-back so they haven't played in the middle that often at a time when they're still learning the position. At such a young age and I'd like to see them get a run of games.
"I look at those two young lads and the way they've had to change positions and I feel sorry for them. I think they have the skills and attributes to be top class defenders for Manchester United."
Smalling joined United from Fulham in 2010, while Jones moved from Blackburn Rovers the following year.
Steven Toplis
