Eric Bailly was the first signing of the Jose Mourinho back in 2016, and for the first season, it looked like Manchester United had struck gold.
Since then the defender’s spell at Old Trafford has unravelled badly to the stage where he has played just 70 Premier League matches in six seasons at the club.
Bailly did not play a single minute for United in 2022, and he faces an uncertain future. The Athletic reported earlier in the month that Fulham were keen, but Bailly wants to fight for his place at United.
Rarely has Bailly’s talent been questioned, with his ability on display in United’s 4-0 pre-season victory over Liverpool, where he was one of the best players on the pitch.
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Eric Bailly shows quality
Eric Bailly’s performance against Liverpool was a bit of ‘beautiful chaos’ that only he can provide. It began with a defensive error which he recovered from, before he went onto create United’s fourth goal.
Bailly brought the ball out of defence, dummied Thiago Alcantara in midfield and charged up into the penalty box. United fans were screaming for the ball to be passed to him, but Amad passed to Facundo Pellistri instead – who scored.
The defender wheeled away in celebration as if he had scored. Minutes later he was being helped off the pitch after going down injured, which happens at least once per game every time he plays.
Darwin Nunez got little out of Bailly, who was proactive in making interceptions, and looked happy to be playing football again.
Martinez move means little room for Bailly
Objectively, no matter how well he played in pre-season, it does not seem like Bailly has much of a future at the club, because he is already fourth choice, and United have been pursuing Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
Fabrizio Romano reports United are ‘feeling confident’ over a move, with Voetbal Primeur reporting Ajax are looking for £46 million.
Martinez’s arrival would push Bailly down to fifth choice, and further diminish his chances of playing time.
Bailly is under contract to 2024 after he signed a new deal last year.
The situation surrounding Bailly is frustrating because he is clearly talented. But amid his chaotic style of defending, coaches have generally preferred so-called ‘safer’ options.
It’s possible that watching clubs will look at his pre-season performance and take a chance on him. Part of these matches is about putting players in the shop window, who are on the fringes of the team.
At a guess, Bailly will get a move by the end of the summer, with Martinez coming in, and fans will be left to reflect on ‘what might have been’ if the defender had a better fitness record over the past six seasons.
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