Manchester United have snubbed a laughable offer from Arsenal for Eric Bailly.
The Mail report the Gunners enquired about signing Bailly on loan.
United of course rejected the bid immediately, with Bailly arguably still the best option to partner Victor Lindelöf at present.
Phil Jones has stood in for Bailly during his suspension, and while it has not hurt United, that’s largely thanks to David de Gea’s heroics.
Bailly has a role to play and The Mail report the Ivorian wants to stay and fight for his place, having worried about his future under Jose Mourinho.
United face Arsenal this Friday in the FA Cup and Bailly could make his return.
Encouraging
Arsenal have been pressed into making desperate loan enquiries because they have no money to spend this January.
This is encouraging for United because it shows the Gunners should be discounted as credible challengers for the top four.
A winning run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seen United close the gap on fifth placed Arsenal and draw level on points.
United now sit just three points back from fourth placed Chelsea and only six back from Tottenham.
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Solskjaer should be confident United can overhaul at least one of them.
Regardless of what happens in a one off FA Cup game this weekend, Arsenal do not look to be a serious threat to United’s chances of finishing in the top four.
Their expectation of charity regarding Bailly – who United paid £30 million for in 2016 – showed that desperation is creeping in.