Mikaël Silvestre has talked up Manchester United's signing of Raphael Varane, believing a solid defence could catapult their Premier League title tilt.

28-year-old Varane made his first start for United in the 1-0 win over Wolves on Sunday.

The Frenchman, who joined from Real Madrid for £34m this summer, looked calm and assured alongside Harry Maguire in the centre of United's defence.

All thumbs up after a clean sheet in Varane's first start for United

Varane brings a wealth of experience to Old Trafford, having won four Champions League titles with Real and the World Cup with France in 2018.

Some believe Varane could be the missing piece for a defence that let in 44 goals last season, and Silvestre says his presence will give confidence to United's midfield and attackers.

"(Varane's) coming to the club at a time where he is on top of his game," Silvestre, who spent nine seasons with the Red Devils, told TribalFootball.com, on behalf of NetBet.

"He is the finished article as a centre back and he has so much to give to the team and that partnership in the backline.

Solskjaer claps the away fans after beating Wolves

"He brings leadership and experience and alongside Harry (Maguire), I think it will be very important.

"They both need to stay fit, and they need to gel together as quick as possible to give the team that platform to be more attacking.

"The midfield and forward line need to have that confidence that it will be difficult to beat Manchester United this season."

Varane came close to joining United from Lens in 2011, but instead moved to Spain with Real.

He spent 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, making 360 appearances across all competitions.

As well as his Champions League triumphs, Varane also won three La Liga titles and the Copa Del Rey with Los Blancos.