#2 Defensive bedrock: Phil Jones
Match: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
In the absence of Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, two Manchester United fringe players in Marcus Rojo and Phil Jones have been called on by Jose Mourinho to shore up the backline.
Against Pochettino’s side, Jones was once again imperious and stood strong against anything that threatened to get too close to the United goal. His performance and resilience offered David de Gea the necessary protection in front of goal and also helped keep the Spurs frontline at bay.
Jones’ blocks and interceptions came at crucial times, ensuring that the visitors did not have a chance to come back into the game, especially as United held only a slender 1-goal lead.
Honourable mentions: Jonny Evans (vs. Chelsea), Jordan Pickford (vs. Sunderland), Virgil Van Dijk (vs. Middlesbrough), Hugo Lloris (vs. Manchester United)
