5 players who have carried Manchester United so far this season 

#3 Eric Bailly

Eric Bailly - Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

With much emphasis being put on Manchester United's lack of attacking intensity, Eric Bailly has been something of an unsung hero at the back this season. The centre-back has started 8 games, and one of the few games he missed was the 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield.

Bailly's presence at the back was sorely missed, as some horrendous defending led to United's first league defeat of the season. Such is the importance of the Ivorian to a Manchester United team that sometimes depends entirely on its defence.

Eric Bailly was one of the few dependable players against Chelsea, and made some key interceptions. Holding your own against Eden Hazard is no mean feat, but Bailly, as against Tottenham, was able to provide a sense of solidity. While Bailly hasn't been at his best this season, his quality at the back has earned United quite a few clean sheets.

Mourinho has had no qualms with fielding defensive lineups, and with United 8 points off the top, he has deservedly received criticism. But the team can take heart from the fact that they have been defensively solid.

Bailly is only 23-years-old, and is sure to improve over the course of the season. Fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City next month will shape United's season, and Mourinho will need his prodigious defender at his best if United are to have any hope of stopping the juggernaut that Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have become.