Dimitar Berbatov lamented Manchester United's failure to sign a central defender during the transfer window.
However, the former Old Trafford forward admits the solution could have been right under Ole Gunnar Solskajer's nose all along.
With Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly injured, Alex Tuanzebe made his first appearance of the season as United beat PSG on Tuesday night.
The academy graduate earned rave reviews for his display as the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were kept under wraps.
Berbabtov believes the 22-year-old could be the answer to their defensive problems.
"I thought Alex Tuanzebe was excellent in defence, for his age he showed so much maturity and strength," said the Betfair ambassador.
"He didn't look intimidated or afraid of the huge names he had to defend, and a game like this will give him confidence. He has made the case for himself that he should play more.
"It's only one game but he appears to have all the qualities of a great defender - speed and strength, along with a cool head.
"I said in pre-season that United needed a centre back, but maybe all along Alex has been there, and he is a strong candidate to be first choice."
United bounced back from their Tottenham thrashing with two wins on the spin and Berbatov believes Solskjaer deserve the plaudits.
He added: "It was a tactical battle in Paris and Ole came out on top.
"The players, of course, play a huge role, but Ole has set them up and got them ready.
"He prepared them mentally and physically, and helped them to break down PSG man by man. They did the job perfectly, and got the result they deserved.
"At the same time, United shouldn't get head of themselves.
"Don't think about big targets, just take every game as it comes.
"If Ole keeps them steady, rotates the team correctly, and they concentrate, they can win more games.
"Edinson Cavani will be a big addition when he is ready also. Everyone has been spot on in the last couple of games and this must continue.
vostoko
1252
its all aboit the best, the best is yet to come
Chelsea™4™Ever
549
tuanzebe a beast
Hipilopsty
508
My line up against chelsea man u is on fire
BARRIEAMADU
361
PARISIAN GERMAN RESTED NEYMAR JR IN THEIR LAST GAME FOR THE U.C.L MATCH AGAINST MAN.U NOT KNOWING MAN.U HAVE BEEN RESTING TUANZEBE FOR A YEAR 😄😄😄🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
LegolasManc
272
I love Berbatov and I’m glad he has come to make this admission. I hated the buy this buy that narrative. We have so many players and it was just up to the technical team to use them well. I know it is trendy to bash Woodward and the owners but why should we keep splashing big money on signings when there is no guarantee they will succeed? The coaching staff has to prove first they can get the most out of signings first. Well done Axel.
GitanshUppal
164
I know Alex tuanzebe had a good match. We should not get carried away because he just played one game and that too after 10 months. I just hope people won't beat the hell out of him if he had a day off on field in a near future. he is a young defender who should be protected and should be given experience step by step. well played axel .. ggmu