Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rhapsodized about Eric Bailly when asked about the possibility of Manchester United moving for a centre-back before deadline day.

United are believed to be open to reinforcing at centre half with Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo preparing for possible transfers, Phil Jones injured and Axel Tuanzebe not match-fit.

Solskjaer started Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in last week's 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and Lindelof was culpable for all three goals. Bailly made his first start of the season in the Carabao Cup victory at Luton Town, where the 18-year-old Teden Mengi was an unused substitute.

The brittle Bailly, 26, joined United for £30million in 2016 but has started only 20 Premier League games in the last three seasons and missed the first six months of last term. However, Solskjaer appeared to suggest the Ivory Coast international could replace Lindelof at Brighton on Saturday.

"I think last season proved to us how we can defend at our best," Solskjaer replied when asked if United could strengthen their defence. "Last week wasn't fantastic, we conceded sloppy goals but I think our defensive record from last season showed with Eric (Solskjaer meant 'Vic') and Harry how good a partnership they were, but also defending as a team.

"Eric is fit again, which is a big, big bonus and a big plus for us, and I'm looking forward to seeing him develop and play more games this season. Because we've been waiting for him to, first, be fit and play more regularly."

United are away at Brighton in their next two fixtures in the Premier League and Carabao Cup - the first time they have played the same opponents at the same ground in successive games since October 2012. United strolled to a 3-0 win at the Amex Stadium in June and Solskjaer insists his squad are in better shape after last week's lethargic defeat.

"Of course, we're a week further down the line," Solskjaer added. "It's been a good week, some players have been training well and the work on the training ground has been good. We played well against Luton, so we're further down the line like other teams as well, we need to be further down the line because last week was a disappointing one.

"We have to take one game at a time. Premier League first and all our focus is on that one. We had a bad start last week, we want to kick on and play a better game.

"Of course, we played them after the restart as well, we have some good memories from that game and hopefully we can show something like (that)."