Eric Bailly could be forgiven for being a little disappointed at the situation he finds himself in.
After entering last season hoping to secure a place in Manchester United’s first choice defence alongside Harry Maguire, Bailly now is fourth choice.
Bailly signed a new contract earlier this year and knew there was a risk the club would sign a new centre-back.
United went big, signing Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, and Bailly knows the reality of his position.
After making his return from the Olympics in a friendly against Burnley this week, Bailly says he is ready for when the team need him.
Bailly told the club website: “For me, this season, the first thing is to be injury-free, to train well and wait for my time.
“That’s my mentality. With the team, I hope we win many, many trophies.”
A weekly battle for Bailly to be involved
Last weekend United did not have a centre-back on the bench with nine substitutes named.
Raphael Varane and Bailly will be available this week, but United may only prefer to include one of them in the 20-man matchday squad.
This shows the challenge Bailly has this season, and he will have to show patience. United also need to be able to depend on him, when he is needed, that he will be fit.
Bailly might consider his future in 2022 if he wants to play regularly, and that could be understandable.
Regarding Varane he was very complimentary, commenting: “[He] is a very good player. Ten years, I think he had in Spain, winning many trophies and that is very good for the mentality of the team.”
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