Chris Smalling believes that he and Phil Jones have proven they can be Manchester United's best centre-back pairing for many years to come.
The duo ended Louis van Gaal's first season in charge as the first-choice pair, and Smalling is confident that the Englishmen can replace Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, both of whom left Old Trafford last year.
"We have proven we can fill the gap," BBC Sport quotes Smalling as saying. "When you consider the outgoings at centre-back, players had to step in and luckily I've been one of those who has had a good run, especially in the second half of the season.
"It's one where it just builds over time and we've had our chance this season and now it is all about building on that next season."
Both Smalling and Jones could face competition for places next season as United have been heavily linked with a £35m bid for Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi.
