Eric Bailly made an impressive return against Arsenal a week ago before being dropped from the team which bet Fulham.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho held a meeting with Bailly on Monday to explain his reasoning.
Bailly was reportedly given assurances that he will return to the first team if he continues to work hard, and that he was rested rather than dropped.
The Guardian report: “Mourinho informed Bailly this was merely to rest him and that if he shows patience more regular football will come.”
After the Arsenal game, Mourinho commented that Bailly looked like he was struggling with fitness towards the end of the game.
It should not have been surprising, it was his first start since October.
Bailly was dropped after the Newcastle game, and there’s a good case that he needed a break after appearing to be out of form.
He is expected to return against Valencia this evening in the Champions League.
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He will hope he can do enough to secure a starting spot away to Liverpool on Sunday.
United signed Bailly for £30 million from Villarreal in 2016, and he quickly became a first choice starter.
After losing his place, speculation began that he could leave in the upcoming transfer window.
If Mourinho can deliver on his promise then it should be enough to keep the Ivorian happy and ensure he wishes to remain at Old Trafford.