Moyes Hails Defence

David Moyes is happy to keep changing his centre back combination as necessary to manage his defensive unit’s workload.

The quintet of club captain Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans have all appeared in the middle of the back four at times this season. The versatility of Jones and Smalling, who have both also played at right-back, has yet again proved to be a welcome asset for the Reds on both domestic and European fronts.

Using the resources at his command is pure common sense for the manager, who told MUTV: “You would like to have a bit of continuity but when you have five centre backs like we have here in the squad they all need to be used. They all need to be played at different times, and some of them have had injuries which have meant we have had to change. It would be better if we could get a bit more consistency to it but at the moment whoever we have brought in has done well.”

And with United having conceded just three goals in their last five games and having remained unbeaten in eight, the work of the defence, in whatever combination, has pleased Moyes.

“I am pleased because if we can tighten up at the back, the quality of players we have got in the forward areas tend to make the difference. So I am pleased that in the last couple of games we have looked a little more solid, and more likely not to concede so many goals.”