Manchester United: 5 mistakes Jose Mourinho has made already

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Eric Bailly of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on August 19, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

3. Not signing another centre-back

Eric Bailly has been one of the biggest plus points of United’s season in the opening games. Sure, the Ivorian looks raw at times. But he’s still developing and he’s done fantastically well for where he currently is in his development. The biggest thing Bailly is missing is a partner.

Chris Smalling has been shelved by Mourinho, whilst the United boss seems to be almost as unconvinced by Daley Blind. So if that is the case then why didn’t Mourinho swoop to sign another centre-back during the transfer window?

Rumors of Jose Fonte from Southampton were perfect. A player familiar with the Premier League, wouldn’t cost too much money and is experienced enough to help Bailly along the way. Instead, Mourinho decided to stick with what he has and now, coincidentally, he’s stuck with what he has.

Bailly looked shaky for the first time in the derby. Blind also had a poor game and showed he’s really not a centre-back at the highest level. So now Mourino may well have to turn to a player he’s obviously not very keen on in Smalling.

Mourinho is clearly not happy with his centre-back options but, once again, he’s backed himself into a corner. He’s got what he’s got now and he’ll have to find a way to make it work. Maybe he does that. But it could have been so much simpler.

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