Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho did not want to single out individuals to credit with his team's defensive improvements, instead insisting that it was the product of working together
United made a poor start to the season, conceding three goals in matches against both Tottenham and Brighton. However after their recent run of three straight away wins, including clean sheets at Burnley and Young Boys, the 'red devils' look to have ironed out their defensive issues.
The improvement has not come due to the performances of one player in particular and although it was known that Mourinho wanted to purchase a new centre-back in the summer, the team-work of his defensive unit has improved considerably.
Speaking ahead of his team's match against Wolves the Portuguese manager said: "The team as a team is resolving the defensive problems better than before, I don't want to say it was Eric Bailly or Phil Jones and now Smalling and Lindelof,"
"I think the team is more compact, more solid. The spirit, the cooperation, the empathy and communication have all improved in the team. Good results bring confidence.
Although Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof have been the preferred partnership over the last weeks, Mourinho did not single them out especially, commenting:
"We are as improving as a team I don't want to say it has the name of Chris or Victor."
Right-back Diogo Dalot excelled on the right side of defence for Mourinho in United's 3-0 win against Young Boys in the Champions League on Wednesday, but Mourinho was keen to temper expectations around the 19 year old and says he will be rested at the weekend
"I want him, in this process of adaptation, I want him to be totally fresh," said Mourinho.
"To play for Manchester United is difficult enough. For a kid of 19 coming from another country and after an important injury I think it's difficult enough - he doesn't need to face more difficulties because of an accumulation of matches."