How Bailly went from being an exciting prospect to the most important player at the back for United in less than a year. www.mufclatest.com/player-profile-eric-bailly-the-rise-from-an-exciting-prospect-to-uniteds-mr-reliable
Who do you think said the following: "Rio has been the best defender in the country, if not Europe for a couple of years. His maturity and leadership have been key factors in his and the team's success. He is someone that young players learn from and that more experienced players respect. I have not seen a better defensive pairing than him and Nemanja for a long time."
Vidic was voted player of the season by representatives of the governing body, members of the media and fans. He was voted for as the more immediately visible member of a two man defence that dominated the league.
Being more visible as a defender is not necessarily a good thing. Rio wasn't as noticeable because he was a step ahead of the attack most of the time. He didn't have to lunge into crazy tackles like Vidic because he was in position to cut them out.
Let's stick with where Ashur is going with his post. At this rate of "debate" Jonny Evans will be deemed better than Vidic, the Ballon d'Or won't mean shit, Moyes is a greater manager than Mourinho, and we missed an opportunity to develop one of the all time greats when we sold Memphis.
Sorry, I was writing a post to point out that Vidic's awards were meted out by exactly the sorts of people who value visible defending, but then I went off and did something more productive with my time. Must have clicked post in my pocket. Yeah, let's move on. All of us capable of forming a remotely logical argument who get that personal awards will naturally go to the Gerrards and not the Scholes', who agree that Darren Fletcher was not better than Carrick because of an armband, are agreed that Rio was the better of the two (excellent) defenders. On topic, I'd certainly hope Bailly can be the Stam to Lindelof's Johnsen. He might not hit those heights but if he comes close he'll have done bloody well for himself.
It is. If his "opinions" were valid or defendable it would not require page upon page of irrelevant and assine remarks with a sprinkling of desperate diatribe.
What I can say in your defense, Teso, is that you understand the distinction between a "fact" and an "opinion". That a few others here fail -- and in some cases even refuse -- to understand that distinction is not unusual for an internet forum. I may not agree with all of your arguments (Memphis was brilliant, Ibra was terrible, etc.,) but at least you make a sincere effort to construct an argument on a body of facts that are reasonably related to each other.
Bailly on his goals, Mourinho, his role models etc... www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-fixtures-eric-bailly-13483585
Eric Bailly: ‘We are going to demonstrate that Manchester United are world class’ https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...lly-manchester-united-world-class-ivory-coast
There are no guarantees (in terms of starting places) under Mourinho - Bailly www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11069535/eric-bailly-wary-of-manchester-united-place-under-jose-mourinho
Beastmode is back. www.manutd.com/en/Fanzone/News-And-Blogs/2018/Feb/eric-bailly-the-beast-is-back-ahead-of-fa-cup-tie-at-huddersfield-town.aspx What a welcome sight he will be: he's been badly missed.
It really is fascinating how much better Bailly is than Smalling and Jones. Not a wee bit better and not even somewhat better, but substantially better. All the tools are there and it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see Real come knocking for him in a season or two. As for Smalling being so disappointing, what a shame. There was never greatness in his boots, but he could have been a reliable piece on the back line for a decade but for whatever reason never developed the mental fortitude required for success as a United CB and, inexplicably, never became a footballer who was comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Bailly's return will be great to bring back the solidity at the back we've missed since he went down. He's also a player who apparently makes his partners better also. Practically have no qualms to play anyone of our current CBs next to him, if the situation demands it. In league or FA Cup games, would rather see him play next to Rojo or even Jones. Woudn't mind seeing Lindelof get the shot next week though vs Sevilla as we'll need guys who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. Plus, European ties are nowhere as physically demanding as games in England, which should suit him well. Fully expect to see an improvement at the back though. That much is certain.
"He’s not a bighead…Basically, he’s stayed African.”Eric Bailly swapped dirt pitches for the Theatre of Dreams, but he’s never forgotten his roots | @tomwfootball https://t.co/e73Ehm7vbj pic.twitter.com/v7lIvUKBn9— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 20, 2018
Bailly's recent absence explained by Mourinho. www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2018/May/Jose-Mourinho-explains-recent-Eric-Bailly-absence-for-Manchester-United.aspx
The only explanation that makes sense to me is that Mourinho has been put off by his play right before he dropped him. He was dreadful in that first half vs City, for some reason, making lots of fundamental errors (especially in positioning). Still, should not be reason to drop him completely. Conversely though, it's not like that choice has backfired on him either: Smalling, Jones and Lindelof have all actually been pretty good in the past 2 games. I think in the end that this is Jose just sending Bailly a reminder that he can't rest in his laurels or that he has no competition, and he needs to be sharp at all times. If that's the message he's trying to send, then I'm fine with it. Especially if it only helps Bailly to become even better long term.
🗣 "We're eager to set new goals and to see lots of smiles in the stands at Old Trafford next season."— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2018
FWIW Jose explanation on why he is not playing Eric https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...otball-news/man-utd-eric-bailly-news-15457580 Claims it is for consistency because Smalls/Lindelof have better injury records (ie Mou is still pissed at Eric for dropping out of West Brom game in April).
Big congrats to @EricBailly24, who has been named in Africa's best XI at the #CAFAwards18! Our centre-back 💪 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/3d57oGFBPl— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 8, 2019