José's first signing. Welcome to United Eric Bailly!

https://www.planetfootball.com/tren...-defensive-flair-they-didnt-know-they-needed/

Bailly, after what looked like a very shaky start (rust combined with nerves surely?), where his passing was pretty careless and downright dangerous even, grew into the game and put in a superb and dominant performance at the back.
Considering he hadn't played in a very long time, he looked very good and it's something hopefully he can build upon. His athleticism is the perfect compliment to someone like Maguire, as we saw a couple of times when he managed to cover for him when he was beat or out of position.
It's been often mentioned that guys like Maguire or Lindelöf are not necessarily the most complimentary duo because they are similar in some ways. And therefore that either would probably flourish with a more physical and athletic partner next to them (like Bailly or Tuanzebe) and it showed yesterday.
And it's something I want to see more of: Bailly needs a run of games, but with his propensity to get hurt, I'd still manage him carefully in the early going (by limiting his load to one game/week initially). By playing him regularly, I think we have a good chance to see a return of the player we saw in his first season with the club and in the process see the overall backline improve even more as a result.

 

Bailly confesses he was nervous and needed a few mins to settle.

https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/man-utd-bailly-chelsea-nerves/8vpom4ie5x4i1v60tg2l0am48

It definitely showed in the first 10-15mins or so. But for a guy who hadn't played in almost a year, he really did very well subsequently to get over his initial jitters, putting in a top performance in the process.
Really hoping that this is the start of a sustained run of form for him, where he manages to stay fit for the duration, as he can make a real difference at the back for us.

 

Eric Bailly speaks on his injury troubles, playing for Ole, etc...

https://global.espn.com/football/ma...pa-league-glory-after-rage-at-injury-troubles

Been very good since his return. And Ole has done well with him so far in terms of easing him back into things. Hopefully, he can grow stronger and more confident, so he can play a bigger part in the team. Maguire, and our defense as a whole, simply look more secure when he's on the pitch.

 

Beastmode appreciation vid.

Eric Bailly takes no prisoners 😤💪🏿
https://t.co/ZwJQwiKVPv

— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) March 20, 2020

 

Beastmode thread bump and appreciation post.

Eric Bailly has started three straight #mufc games for the first time since March 2018. He'll have to do an awful lot more to suggest he's the long-term solution but his form confirms United's need for an athletic partner for Maguire. It's too one-paced with Maguire and Lindelof.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 30, 2020

Stay fit, please: find a way.

 

Bruno Fernandes knows! 💯 pic.twitter.com/muFgUvRjxg

— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) January 1, 2021

In his last 15 starts for us, we've got 12 wins and 9 clean sheets. When he's fit, he's simply one of the very best CBs in the league.

 

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We've had glimpses of it previously, but one can only imagine how this guy must be in the dressing room, training etc...
No wonder he's clearly one of the most liked guys on the team.

 

Bailly: "In this team, we are like a family. Like all of the people are friends, like brothers. #mufc is one family and I’m very happy with my team-mates to do this [celebrate with him at full-time] for me because they know the moment I had before." #mulive [mu]

— utdreport (@utdreport) January 5, 2021

Bailly: "You know when the game is finished, the players who didn’t play the game, but were on the bench, came onto the pitch to celebrate the three points [against Aston Villa]. That is the mentality we want." #mulive [mu]

— utdreport (@utdreport) January 5, 2021

Bailly: "Popular or not, you know, I’m enjoying [it] all the time, I enjoy it with my boys, my team-mates and we try to make the people happy. I joke when it’s a good moment to do the joke and then to be focused on making the team strong." #mulive [mu]

— utdreport (@utdreport) January 5, 2021

Bailly: "Yes, it’s too early [to say if he's in his best form]. Too early! Now you need to make your head calm, train and keep going, getting ready to help the team. That’s my first mission and I hope I don’t get injured again, you know." #mulive [mu]

— utdreport (@utdreport) January 5, 2021

Bailly: "That [playing regularly] is very important for me, you know, as before, I’d had moments, difficult moments, but now I’ve come back into the team. I am feeling good, train well and yeah I’ll be ready to help the team. I am fit and I want to play." #mulive [mu]

— utdreport (@utdreport) January 5, 2021

 

Eric Bailly's concerns over new deal offered by Manchester United.

Eric Bailly fears new Manchester United deal only offered to command bigger transfer fee in summer | Football News | Sky Sports