We all know that it takes a while to win Jose Mourinho over.
At various stages of Mourinho’s Manchester United tenure, the likes of Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Luke Shaw have struggled to prove themselves reliable to their manager.
Shaw’s impasse at Old Trafford looks set to drag on but, according to Sky Sports’ Charlie Nicholas, the left back is not the only United defender Mourinho doesn’t trust.
Nicholas has claimed that as many as three of United’s regular centre-halves continue to be distrusted by the Red Devils boss.
“I don’t think he trusts his defenders,” Nicholas said on Sky Sports’ The Debate show.
“How many times have we had this discussion? Ever since Mourinho got there, he doesn’t trust Smalling.
“I don’t think he’s convinced Jones is his man as he’s not sure whether he’s physically adaptable. He probably think he’s a bit too rash. As we know, Lindelof has had an almighty struggle.”
Lindelof signed for United for a fee of €35 million in the summer but has flattered to deceive when given the chance at the back by Mourinho.
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Against Huddersfield, Lindelof had an absolute nightmare and he looked similarly panicked under the high ball when he featured in the Carabao Cup victory over Swansea last week.
But while Mourinho may not have much faith in the defensive triumvirate of Smalling, Jones and Lindelof, there is at least one central defender who the Portuguese trusts.
“Bailly has been the one (he does trust),” continued Nicholas. “He’s a bit raw. And then he brings in (Ashley) Young all of a sudden and you start to get confused.
“That’s what Mourinho does and you are left scratching your head.”
