Eric Bailly’s new Manchester United contract has been confirmed.
Bailly has signed a deal which runs until June 2024, with an option to extend to 2025.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he feels Bailly is getting better, and stronger, and United will see the best of him in the years ahead.
Solskjaer talked up Bailly’s traits and popularity with the rest of the squad.
He said: “Eric has improved his robustness since my time as manager and he will continue to play a significant part in the squad.
“He possesses fantastic speed, timing of tackle and has that aggression which, of course, you need as a centre-back. He is a popular member of the squad and we look forward to continuing to work with him going forward.
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Long term deal
Bailly joined United in 2016 from Villarreal. It has been a bumpy ride due to injuries, but his talent is not in question.
The Ivory Coast international says the deal was an easy decision in the end.
He said: “This decision is something I didn’t have to think about, I love this club and I love playing for Manchester United. I’m happy and so are my family, everything is good. Now the moment with my injury has passed and I’m fit and feel good, and that’s it. A new contract is like a new challenge and I’m ready for this.”
“For me, it’s the dream to be here. Now it’s my fifth season and I hope to be here a long time
.”
United are taking a risk
The ruthless decision here would have been to choose not to extend Bailly’s contract, and sell him this summer.
United have Axel Tuanzebe as back-up and Teden Mengi coming through.
So it is a big vote of confidence from the coaching staff in Bailly, and his fitness, to hand him a new deal.
It’s also a big risk. Bailly has played just 100 games in five seasons due to a succession of injuries.
Solskjaer says Bailly is getting ‘more robust’, implying he has some faith the centre-back’s bad luck is behind him.
Speaking about this season, Bailly even acknowledged his fitness issues, adding: “I hope I can be ready and I don’t get any injuries and to be strong and finish the season well.” Let’s hope he is right.
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