Eric Bailly has become Jose Mourinho's first signing at Old Trafford after Manchester United confirmed his capture from Villarreal.
Bailly completed his medical at United this morning and has agreed a four-year deal with the option of a further two years with the FA Cup holders.
The transfer, which is believed to be worth £30million, is subject to the Ivory Coast centre-half securing a work permit.
"Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent," Mourinho said.
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"He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.
"We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development."
Athletic and assertive in his playing style, Bailly, 22, received interest from Barcelona and Manchester City in early spring but the clubs were told he wouldn't consider any offers until the end of the campaign.
There was late interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in Bailly, but the defender had set his mind on joining United.
Bailly added: "It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.
"I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club.
"I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life."
Bailly played in one of La Liga's finest defences last season as Villarreal's 'Atletico lite' approach took them to fourth place.
His assertive playing style and physical gifts mean he will suit Mourinho's system far better than he would have done with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City or Luis Enrique at Barcelona.
The centre-back's superior pace and strength make him a far more ideal signing for the Premier League than the man Villarreal signed him to replace, Gabriel Paulista, but he is prone to rash challenges and must improve his decision-making to shine at the top level.
Nonetheless, at such a tender age he has potential and Manchester United have been drawn in by his 'high ceiling' and physical gifts.