When there is a nonsensical transfer rumour about, our preference is just to ignore it. See the latest links to Antoine Griezmann.
There are other times, where it concerns a United player, that we feel we have set the record straight.
Jump straight to a report from The Sun claiming United want to loan Eric Bailly out next season. This was promptly repeated by The Mail, and suddenly you have this story which makes no sense, doing the rounds.
Breaking down the Bailly whispers
Let’s look at United’s defensive situation in terms of numbers before we even get to the player himself.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are first choice. Bailly is next.
Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi are both behind Bailly, but both are untested. The former cannot stay fit, while the latter has not played a first team game and is just 18.
As an extra option, Luke Shaw can play in central defence, but has only done so as part of a back three.
Then you have Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, and Chris Smalling. All three are expected to be sold this summer.
So why would United then sell, let alone loan Bailly, and leave ourselves reliant on Tuanzebe and Mengi as the only back-ups, ahead of another season which could feature as many as 60 games.
Of course United could sign a centre-back, but what is the point in sending Bailly out on loan, gaining next to nothing financially, and then spending millions on a replacement. It makes absolutely no sense.
In a summer when funds will have to be spent sensibly, and in other areas, there really is no reason to loan Bailly and spend on a player to cover his absence.
He has a lot more to offer
Bailly is an injury to Maguire or Lindelof away from a run in United’s team. He is unlucky not to have had more of a chance since his return from injury, but United’s defensive record over the 15-match unbeaten run we are on has been near immaculate.
It is right that Bailly has had a role in that. In the 463 minutes he has played since he returned to action in February, United have only conceded one goal.
That was the long range effort to Todd Cantwell last week, which Bailly could do little about. His record is impressive, and it may even be time to swap him in for Lindelof at home to Bournemouth this weekend.
There is a feeling among supporters that Bailly is a superior player to Lindelof, and just needs a proper chance to prove it.
Bailly is better in the air, and he is quicker. When Maguire made his mistake against Tottenham, Lindelof could not get across in time to block Steven Bergwijn’s shot. You would give Bailly a better chance of doing so.
United paid £30 million for Bailly in 2016 and only injuries have prevented him from being worth double that fee right now.
He has presently seen off competition from young star Tuanzebe to be United’s third choice, and he could go higher.
It is understandable he wants to play, and may be a little frustrated not to have dislodged Lindelof already. In his own performances he has not put a foot wrong.
But he is in this position due to his own injury record, and he needs to just be patient, this season or next, because he will get a run in the team.
- 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
