Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has spoken of his management of defensive pair Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.

The pair have failed to find any consistent form so far this season.

Asked if Bailly and Lindelof's confidence had taken a hit, Mourinho explained: "Against Newcastle, I brought Eric out and I played Mata and he is not a central defender. It was an early change on the team organisation.

"The point was not to take Eric and to play Victor, the point was to take Eric and play an extra midfielder, taking the risks that at that time you have to take, losing 2-0 after ten minutes, lose 2-0 or 4-0 would be not different.

"So we had to take the risks but in normal conditions if I take one central defender I play another one in his place."

Asked if either player would be hurt by what is being said in the media, Mourinho replied: "With them you have to ask [the players] because I don't ask them. I am not asking the players. I work with the players I am not asking them if they read the press or if they are influenced by it I don't go in that direction.

"I can't react, I have to respect… What do you want me to do? Give my honest thoughts? My honest thoughts is that I don't comment."