What Manchester United's current centre-backs can learn from the legends of the yesteryears

Manchester United have kept only one clean sheet in five Premier League games this season conceding 8 goals in the process and losing two matches. The uncertainty manager Jose Mourinho faces at central defence is one of the most important reasons for this lacklustre defensive record.

In this article, I take a look at what the current crop of centre-backs at United can learn from their legends from the past

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#5 Gary Pallister: Consistency

The big lad never had a bad game at the heart of United's defence

Whenever he stepped on the pitch, Sir Alex Ferguson knew what he'd be getting from Gary: consistency. The 6 foot 4 inches man mountain rarely put a foot wrong and almost never had a bad game. He never tried the fancy stuff some of the current defenders at United try and just sniffed out any danger he perceived with extreme efficiency. His consistency was the main reason behind United winning 5 Premier League titles with Pallister at the heart of the defence.

Bailly, Jones, Smalling, Lindelof, Rojo, all have good games few and far between and this has hurt Mourinho's side from mounting a real title challenge.

#4 Steve Bruce: Goals

Steve Bruce elated after scoring the goal that won United the first Premier League title

Jose Mourinho has spent the entirety of two press conferences lamenting the lack of goals from United's defence. He has always had goal scoring defenders at his previous clubs: John Terry at Chelsea, Lucio at Inter Milan and Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid. At United, centre-backs have scored just 7 goals over the previous two seasons with Smalling adding another away at Watford in the 2018-19 season.

Bruce incredibly scored 13 goals in the 1990-91 season, a humongous feat for a defender. No United fan can forget Steve Bruce's two goals late on in the victory against Sheffield Wednesday which gave United their first top-flight title in 26 years and crowning them first Premier League champions.

How Jose Mourinho would love one of his centre-backs to emulate the yesteryear's legend!

#3 Nemanja Vidic: Playing through the pain barrier

United's warrior: Nemanja Vidic

"He comes from Serbia and he'll murder ya," sang the fans and Vida always obliged.

Nemanja Vidic was a warrior. He played when not fully fit, he played when blood was gushing down his forehead, he played with a broken nose. He just played through the pain and whenever he did, he wore his heart on his sleeve.

Mourinho has frequently complained about his squad's unwillingness to play through the pain barrier. Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly have been singled out and criticised for this. The squad needs only to look at Vida's selfless performances as a guide to give their all for the team.

#2 Rio Ferdinand: Composure

Rio Ferdinand: Composed under waves of unwavering pressure

Rio 'Rolls Royce' Ferdinand was so composed under pressure, you could almost fault him for underestimating the opponent! His tackling, aerial prowess positioning sense and ability to read the game were great assets.

Many-a-times in the previous few seasons, defenders at United have lost their composure when under pressure. As a result, United have conceded goals in quick succession or have given away penalties or free kicks in dangerous positions far too often.

As impressive the Red Devils' defensive record is (over the past two seasons combined, United have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League), if only the defenders are able to stay composed under waves of constant pressure, United will have a much better defensive record.

#1 Jaap Stam: Everything!

Japp Stam was the rock in one of the most exciting teams the world has ever seen

The biggest regret of Sir Alex Ferguson's managerial career was selling Japp Stam to Lazio because he thinks this guy is on par with Milan legends Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. That says something, doesn't it?

In his three seasons at United, Stam won the Premier Leauge in each of them along with the FA Cup and Champions League as a part of the treble in the 1998-99 season and Inter-continental Cup in 1999.

6 foot 3 inches and hard as a rock, he was known for possessing a rare combination of speed, strength and ball-playing ability as well as an excellent positional sense. With him at the back, United rarely conceded goals. He is one of the rare professionals who could mix finesse with solidity.

United defensive unit should watch videos of the great man to get an insight into the art of no-nonsense defending!