Manchester United can breathe a sigh of relief after news emerged that Ivorian centre back, Eric Bailly is expected to feature in this week’s Carabao Cup clash away at the Liberty Stadium.
The former Villarreal man is currently injured and was sorely missed in the matches against Liverpool and Huddersfield where we dropped five points. He has been sidelined since the beginning of the month with a groin strain but will likely feature against Paul Clement’s men.
Manager, Jose Mourinho confirmed that the player is expected to be back as he looks to be used against Swansea as a test run on his fitness before the crucial game against Tottenham this weekend. His centre back partner, Phil Jones is still sidelined after aggravating an injury he picked up on international duty with England. His replacement in the clash, Victor Lindelof endured a torrid time in the clash and Mourinho knows that Bailly can’t come back soon enough. The classy centre back has been one of the best performers in the league ever since his arrival last summer and helped United win the Europa League and EFL Cup in his first year.
Bailly will be key when we play against Tottenham who have looked resurgent in recent weeks. Tottenham travel to Old Trafford after a resounding 4-1 victory over Liverpool, and with Harry Kane in form, Jose needs to have all players available that can counter the threat of the English striker. Bailly is a centre back known for his defensive attributes, interception ability, heading prowess and ability to command his defence.
Since moving to Old Trafford in 2016 in a £32m deal from Villarreal as Jose Mourinho’s first signing at The Theatre of Dreams, he has made 45 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit, scoring once.
