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Opinion: Just How Good Is Manchester United’s Defence This Season?

Another game, another win and another clean sheet, Manchester United keep rolling on as they defeated West Brom 2-0 at home. They weren’t at their attacking best, well they did get better in the second half as they battled for the three points but their defence was certainly the best part of their season so far.

Despite asking fans to boo him for United not playing great football, the manager does deserve some credit for making the team rock solid at the back. Despite only buying Matteo Darmian this season, the team, well the defence certainly looks water tight, despite not having any star signings.

Mike Smalling or Smalldini?

Chris Smalling

Some of the Manchester United supporters refer to Chris Smalling as ‘Smalldini’, a homage to Paolo Maldini, the AC Milan legend, while that might be a massive stretch, Smalling has been one of the best central defenders in the league this season, and credit must be given to the English defender who at one stage last season looked all set to be sold by the management.

He bucked up and earned a new contract under Louis van Gaal, who for some strange reason keeps referring to the defender as ‘Mike’. It isn’t just Smalling, even Daley Blind, who has looked extremely uncomfortable during the early part of the season as a centre-back, has shown that he can play there, even though that is not his favoured position.

Even the wingbacks have been decent for Manchester United this season, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young also seem to be having a good season while Luke Shaw was playing out of his socks this season but that horrific injury stopped his progress this season but Shaw could make it back before the season ends, either way, he will give Manchester United a lot more in both attack and defence when he re-joins.

This team certainly does not resemble the shambles of a defence that United had under David Moyes, let us not forget the amount of incredible saves David de Gea has had to make for the club since he signed for them but this Manchester United defence is leaner and meaner than any other ones we have seen for quite a few years.

They have only conceded eight goals this season in the Premier League and have had the most number of clean sheets as well with eight; this is the meanest defence in the league. Their defence at home is incredible as well, having conceded just one goal in front of the supporters at Old Trafford.

Manchester United might not have the best attack in the league but keeping a clean-sheet does give them chances to win games and that is one thing which Manchester United fans should be glad about, even though they aren’t the most attractive side in the league.