Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho now rates Chris Smalling as his third-choice centre-back, it has been revealed.

Mourinho has indicated Eric Bailly and Daley Blind are his preferred partnership at centre-back, says The Sun.

Blind was widely expected to leave Old Trafford this summer but has impressed boss Mourinho since returning for pre-season.

His distribution and reading of the game has complimented Ivory Coast star Bailly's aggression since his £30million move from Villarreal.

And Smalling will be in danger of losing his Three Lions spot as Sam Allardyce does not want to start with players who haven't appeared in the Prem this term.

He has a final chance to play against Hull next weekend before the international break.