10/08/2017 11:29, Report by Matt Bullin

In the last week before the big Premier League kick-off, we're profiling each area of Manchester United's first-team squad as it stands. Here, we take a look at our centre-backs...

ERIC BAILLY
United career stats: 38 appearances

Bailly cemented his position as one of the club’s top defenders last term, in his first season at Old Trafford after arriving from Villarreal.

The Ivory Coast international made 38 appearances in all competitions and continued his form into pre-season, where he featured in all seven of the club’s tour friendlies, only to be ruled out of the UEFA Super Cup due to suspension.

PHIL JONES
United career stats: 167 appearances, 5 goals

Despite injury affecting the 25-year-old’s 2016/17 campaign, he was still able to make a considerable impact and he played 26 games across all competitions.

Jones featured in all seven of United’s pre-season matches, before also being banned for the Real Madrid clash in Skopje, and admitted while on tour that he was looking forward to the competitive fixtures starting.

He said: “Everyone is looking forward to it. We know exactly what the manager expects from us and he knows the players inside and out.”

VICTOR LINDELOF
United career stats: 1 appearance

Lindelof became Jose Mourinho’s first signing of the summer when he joined from Benfica in July and he will aim to make himself a real rock in United’s defence in 2017/18.

The 22-year-old Swede featured in all seven of the Reds’ pre-season matches alongside a variety of defensive partners and is adapting to life at the club.

Speaking after his United bow against LA Galaxy, he said: “It felt very good, I am very happy to have made my debut for this great club.”

MARCOS ROJO
United career stats: 95 appearances, 2 goals

Rojo was a regular in United’s defence last term, appearing at both left-back and centre-half across his 41 appearances in all competitions.

The 27-year-old Argentinian missed out on the pre-season tour of the US with a knee injury, but will be eager to complete his recovery quickly in order to force his way into Mourinho’s first-team plans.

CHRIS SMALLING
United career stats: 244 appearances, 13 goals

Smalling was an integral part of United’s defence last term, making 36 appearances in all competitions.

The 31-time England international was also utilised regularly by Mourinho in pre-season, as he featured in all seven tour matches, and has also captained the team on a number of occasions.

AXEL TUANZEBE

United career stats: 5 appearances

The 19-year-old defender’s versatility was a key factor as he broke into the first team towards the end of the last campaign, as he featured at right-back and in defensive midfield across his five appearances.

Tuanzebe, who is primarily a central defender, continued his development while on tour as well, as he played in five of the Reds’ pre-season matches and has not really put a foot wrong.