5 things going wrong for Mourinho and Manchester United

Defensive Frailties

Defensive frailties aren’t something you’d normally associate with Jose Mourinho’s team, but so is the case this season.

Whilst shipping goals has been an issue so far with just one clean sheet in six games in November alone, along with conceding four against Chelsea in October, it’s once again the inconsistency in selection.

Historically, Mourinho’s defence has been the foundation for all of his winning teams. A solid and consistent back four that rarely concedes, but this has been sorely missing in the first part of the season for Manchester United.

Eric Bailly started his United career well, but people around him were continuously shuffled and since he’s been out injured, things have gotten worse.

Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Marcus Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia (who is having a fantastic season so far) have all been used, along with Bailly  across a variety of positions across United’s back four.

Injuries and suspensions are inevitable of course, but the defence needs to sharpen up fast and you’d expect this to be sorted sooner rather than later knowing the importance Mourinho places on defence.