Manchester United have pulled back from plans to strengthen their defence this summer.

Since Solskjaer returned to the club, United are second in the Premier League to Liverpool based on goals conceded and clean sheets. That compares to 16th when Jose Mourinho was axed in December, reports the Daily Mail.

United sources insisted they would have paid £100m for a player of the calibre of Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, but were reluctant to spend £50m on Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich) or Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham) when both players were about to turn 30 and had questionable injury records.

However, the success of Solskjaer and his coaching team in tightening up the defence over the last three months means that buying a new centre back this summer is no longer a priority.