Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are confident that their team is on the brink of the big-time once again under Jose Mourinho.

After a brief blip in the Portuguese boss’ early reign at the club things now look to be going along nicely at Old Trafford.

Indeed, the ex-Chelsea manager knows exactly who his best team is now and it appears he also knows who he wants to get rid of too by way of that.

He’s well known for getting rid of players once he’s decided they’re not part of his plans and that certainly seems to be the way Daley Blind’s United career is going.

Indeed, The Sun reckons the Dutchman will be on his way come the summer and they also are of the opinion that Victor Lindelof could be moving in the opposite direction to join the Old Trafford side.

So with that in mind, here’s what United’s new look defence could look like next season – according to our landlord…

GK: David De Gea

United will be hopeful of keeping one of their prize assets going into next season.

The Spanish stopper is truly world class and our landlord believes if United are in the Champions League he’ll absolutely be going nowhere. Even if they don’t qualify, though, he thinks De Gea will have seen enough this season to suggest the club are heading in the right direction.

RB: Antonio Valencia

It’s testament to Valencia’s determination and professionalism that he is now considered one of the best right backs in the Premier League.

Long gone are the days where he would fly along the wing in a primarily attacking role with him now focused on keeping things tight at the back first. He’s not going to be the club’s right back forever, of course, and eventually Mourinho will want a replacement but for now he’s a more than good enough option.

CB: Victor Lindelof

Lindelof will likely come in for Chris Smalling who still has his critics and drawbacks.

It’s gotten to the point with the former Fulham man where he should have reached his potential and so Mourinho will feel a better player can be utilised. He could see Lindelof as that man, then, with him a younger option than Smalling and certainly promising a great deal talent-wise.

CB: Eric Bailly

Bailly has been hindered by injuries this season but when he has played he’s certainly impressed.

He’s instantly looked at home for United which is no mean feat and our landlord reckons he could be the cornerstone around which Mourinho builds his defence. The Ivorian is quick, strong and reads the game well whilst he can play too and should only get better over the coming years.

LB: Matteo Darmian

Darmian looks to have won the left-back battle for now at the club.

With Daley Blind possibly on the way and Luke Shaw seemingly well out of favour with Jose Mourinho at the moment there is every chance the Italian could be in-line for a very long stint playing for the club. He has improved this season, too, and so that might not be the worst thing possible for United’s defence.

Thoughts, United fans? Let us know below!