According to the Athletic (Subscription Required), former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to sign Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly this summer. AC Milan is also reportedly interested in the defender.
Eric Bailly’s time at Manchester United was memorable. Except for a few glimpses of his actual potential, the Ivory Coast international has cut a sad figure at Old Trafford for the majority of his time there, frequently missing out due to injuries.
A talented defender during his time at Villarreal, Bailly was signed with the expectation of him being a key defender for the Red Devils. However, it is safe to say that the 28-year-old has never had such a role here.
One of the main reasons why Bailly’s time at Old Trafford has been so miserable is his frequent injury trouble. The talented center-back has never had an injury-free season at Man United and has never managed to get into a proper rhythm.
Manchester United recently signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax and the talented Argentinian is expected to become a mainstay in the Red Devils’ defense. He is likely to be partnered with Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire.
With Victor Lindelof also in the mix for a center-back slot, it is now set to make Eric Bailly the fifth choice at the back for Man United as things stand. Keeping that in mind, it makes sense for all parties if the former Villarreal defender leaves Old Trafford this summer.
Eric Bailly can yet restore his flagging career at the age of 28. If he can stay fit and earn consistent game time at a club, there’s a chance he’ll reach his full potential, as we’ve seen in Spain and, on rare occasions, England.
Mourinho has already signed ex-Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic this summer, and Eric Bailly might be the next. If he can play frequently, he has the potential to become a vital player for Roma.
