4 similarities between Manchester United's 2013-14 season under David Moyes and the current season

#1 Shaky defense

United have still not been able to replace Vidic and Ferdinand

In 2013-14, after Sir Alex retired, the United squad was aging. Although United were defending champions, change in coaching, playing style, along with a defense which had three players above 30, led to various fitness issues, and Moyes could seldom keep a stable back four.

In the end, Vidic, Ferdinand, and Evra soon left. Even among the back-ups, Jonny Evans left soon after. United clearly were not stable at the back. De Gea rose to prominence around this time.

Little has changed in the years that have gone by. Van Gaal tried to bring the best out of Chris Smalling, but United could never get a great defensive pairing. Luke Shaw was seen as a very positive signing, but he is yet to stamp his authority outright.

Mourinho signed Bailly and Lindelof, which led supporters to believe that he might finally have the answers to United's troubles. Bailly has recently lost the support of Jose, and Lindelof is still struggling. Chris Smalling somehow always finds himself in the team, and Young is still a preferred full back.

Bailly has cut a frustrated figure

United have conceded more goals and scored less this season. This is a worse situation as compared to what United faced in the 2013-14 season, as The Red Devils conceded 43 goals in 38 games in the league.

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Mourinho may still do better than Moyes' 2013-14 season, but the similarities are chilling for a United fan. Many believed that United may have turned a corner last season with the team finishing second.

Before the City match, supporters were still positive, but the recent form was stopped by the local rivals and defending champions who are one of the three unbeaten teams in the Premier League. The draw against Crystal Palace would hurt more. United were 7 points away from the top 4, and the gap is only widening with each match week.

Arguably, Mourinho is also dealing with tougher opponents as compared to Moyes. The top 4 has been changed to top 6, and United will have to pull up their socks if they are to compete this season for anything worthwhile. Given the current form, it would not be a surprise if Manchester United end this season in a worse position as compared to their 2013-14 season.