Manchester United's top four hopes were dashed by relegated Huddersfield on Sunday, as the Red Devils suffered the ultimate punishment for their defensive woes.
The great United teams of the past under Sir Alex Ferguson are typically remembered for legendary attacking stars, but the defensive resolve which their iconic boss ingrained at Old Trafford was the backbone of the club's meteoric success under the Scot.
At present, United's backline lacks anything close to the imperious rear-guard staunchness which was last seen during the days of a Rio Ferdinand-Nemanja Vidic bedrock at the heart of defence.