Continuing my season review, I now look at the defenders. There were some pleasant surprises that made this one of the best units on the team this past season.
Marcos Rojo
After being looked at as a liability most of last season, the Argentine defender improved this season under the direction of Jose Mourinho. One of the strengths of his game is clearances, and this year he more than tripled his average in that category at 6.8 per game as compared to just two during the 15-16 campaign.
While his tackles numbers dipped, so did his fouls. He certainly looked more sound and more disciplined this season and he figures to push heavily for minutes this coming year–but perhaps not in Premier League play with the addition of Viktor Lindelof. But for Cup competitions I’m sure he will get first priority. But to play in league play he may have to move out to left wing.
Eric Bailly
The first acquisition under Mourinho for United showed that he will be well worth the money. The Ivory Coast native came over from Villarreal last summer and had arguably the best year of his career with a whoscored rating of 7.23. He also said a career high in tackles with 2.4 per game and at just 23 he has plenty of room to get better.
There is no doubt that he will continue to get better with age. He posted a passing percentage of 85.5% this season and was over 91% in the Europa League; improving his career average to 82.5%. So as his passing improves and his tackling continues to improve, United should feel good about their center backs for a long time.
Phil Jones
There is only so much you can hope to get out of Phil Jones. And United got that out of him this season. He and Rojo were somehow great together, truly more than the sum of their parts. The oft injured centre back played in 18 games in the Premier League and played well after a down 2015-16 campaign.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
He holds on to the ball well, passes well and is skilled in tackling. If there were a textbook centre back, he would be it. There is no question United should hold onto Jones despite his injury issues. Jones will provide solid depth for other competitions throughout the season even if he doesn’t see much Premier League action.
Chris Smalling
Smalling has been at United since 2010 but alas his time at the club may be coming to an end. After playing in 35 games two seasons ago under Louis Van Gaal he did not see anywhere close to the same playing time under Jose Mourinho. Though not quite as effective this season as in season prior, he was still a useful player this past season.
Next: Season review: Goalkeepers
But this past season was among his best in terms of pass completion percentage and in aerial duels won. At just 27 years old, he still has quite a bit left in the tank. But alas, with Viktor Lindelof coming in at centre back that likely forces Smalling out; which is a disappointment for the longest tenured United current player other than Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick.