Manchester United’s defence has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent times. Yet, time and again, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have started over some very exciting alternatives.
In time, Axel Tuanzebe should become a regular, while injury problems are the only thing preventing Eric Bailly from becoming a United superstar.
Well, perhaps not the only thing…
The last time Bailly started for United, the Red Devils shipped six in their worst performance for years.
A 6-1 hammering at the hands of Tottenham was in part due to defensive deficiencies (most notably from Maguire) and in part because of Anthony Martial’s controversial red card with the score at 2-1. And since then Bailly has not played a single minute.
Injuries have continued to play their part. The Ivorian was benched for the next league game then missed six more with a muscle problem.
Yet he was available for key Champions League clashes against PSG and RB Leipzig, and he sat unused on the bench for both.
A perfect alternative
In those two games – with United needing a single point to qualify – United shipped six and lost both. In the final game in particular, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could have done with a fully firing Bailly.
With the games coming thick and fast, Bailly will surely get a chance over the festive period. Having played twice in the League Cup thus far, he should be in the starting XI for the upcoming quarter-final at least.
Yet one wonders what might have happened if United’s £30million man (BBC) had started either Champions League clash.
A disaster at the back ensured United were 3-0 down in a must-not-lose clash. The warning signs with Lindelof and Maguire have been there for a while. Perhaps he would have also been preferable to Shaw in a three-man defence. Yet Bailly was overlooked and the rest is history.
Whether or not he is being snubbed after that huge home defeat, it would be amazing if Bailly can prove the doubters wrong once and for all.
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