One of the big questions lying ahead for Manchester United this weekend is over who will start at centre-back.
The weekend’s friendly saw Harry Maguire partnered by Timothy Fosu-Mensah, with neither Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly available, while Axel Tuanzebe was out injured.
Bailly featured in training yesterday and had a very short message for fans, declaring his return.
Lindelof was also present in the training session, and of the two, he is probably the defender most likely to partner Harry Maguire, based on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s previous team selections.
However this is a new start to the season, and the chance for the manager to try a different approach.
With no new defensive signings made, United can look internally for ways to improve, and giving Eric Bailly a run of games to start the season is one way to do so.
Victor Lindelof looked rusty at the back end of the season and Bailly has been patiently waiting for an opportunity.
Bailly needs to make this time count
Axel Tuanzebe is still a few weeks away from his return to action from a foot injury.
It is important Eric Bailly takes advantage of his absence from the squad and capitalises to try and get ahead of Victor Lindelof.
If he cannot, then Bailly risks being overtaken and pushed down to fourth choice by Tuanzebe when he is fit again.
- Man Utd are looking to ensure that 2026’s biggest priority is no longer a transfer problem in 2031
- After Ruben Amorim tried to kill it, Man Utd’s attacking DNA is returning with seven exciting wingers
- Every Man Utd player with a connection to Inter Miami after Casemiro deal
- Man Utd signing Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga now relies on a Man City decision
- Man Utd’s disregard for loyal fans proves Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs were right
- Manchester United’s blue 26/27 away kit is a good omen for winning European trophies
- Who is Karim Cassim? Man Utd sign JJ Gabriel’s England youth international teammate
- Three players can make their first Man Utd appearance vs Rosenborg, JJ Gabriel leads the way
- Manchester United fans send message to Ineos after £4m Tynan Thompson deal is confirmed
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
