The Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are reacting to the news of their star defender being sidelined until 2018.

Eric Bailly has suffered a further setback in his quest to return to first-team action, much to the annoyance of the punters propping up our bar. Indeed, the Ivory Coast defender, signed by Mourinho in 2016, was seen by our regulars as an integral part of the United defence last season, and one of the first names on the team sheet each week.

This season, Bailly hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the start of November as a result of an injury. Annoyingly, Mourinho is also without England international Phil Jones, who had a blistering start to this season’s campaign, so you can see why he’s always in such a bad mood. With that in mind, our regulars have noticed that Mourinho has had to mix and match his defence, to try to get as much of a settled back four as he possibly can.

So, having said that, our landlord thinks it’s time for these three United payers to step up to the plate in Bailly absence…

Victor Lindelof

The Swedish centre defender is starting to show signs why Mourinho brought him to the club in the summer. In recent weeks, his performances have dramatically improved and, in Bailly’s absence, he seems to be grabbing the opportunity with both hands.

Mourinho will be hoping that this may long continue into the New Year after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford for the former Benfica man.

Marcus Rojo

Fan favourite Rojo defends like his life depends on it. He never shy’s away from a tackle and is full-blooded for the 90 minutes he’s on the pitch, a great trait to have in a team coached by the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’.

Mourinho will be glad to have such a fighter in the team and although Bailly is currently out injured, in Rojo, the Red Devils have a similar defender who can command a back-line.

Chris Smalling

England international Chris Smalling would be high up the pecking order for centre-backs at United and, to stay in that high standing, Smalling needs to keep his producing top-draw performances.

Mourinho may have doubted the centre back’s attitude last season but this year he has no choice but to use him as the former Fulham man looks to get back into the England squad ahead of the World Cup.