Premier League 2018-19: 5 ways Manchester United need to improve to challenge for the title this season

5. Having a settled center-back pairing

Eric Bailly was Manchester United’s most consistent performer at the heart of defense last season. Five of United six league defeats came with him out of the side.

The trouble is that the Ivorian has been injured too often. The likes of Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones only tend to play well when paired with Bailly; Lindelof has been mostly disappointing since his move from Benfica last summer, but his performances in the World Cup were a good sign.

Eric Bailly during pre-season match against AC Milan

Mourinho will also look to bring in reinforcements in the defense. Whoever comes in must comfortably settle in and improve the defense along with either of Eric Bailly or Victor Lindelof.

A perfect center-back pairing has been the pillar of success in all of Mourinho’s Premier League wins, and only time will tell if he knows his best center-back pair for this season.