Manchester United defender Eric Bailly looks set to leave the club according to Rob Dawson of ESPN. It is believed that Sevilla, who are also negotiating a deal with fellow United player Alex Telles are interested. Serie A side Roma, managed by former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho are also thought to be keen on the Ivorian.
Manchester United Defender Eric Bailly Set to Depart Old Trafford
Pre-season match 6/6 ✔️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/APVrHARzTB
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 31, 2022
Defender Has Slipped Down Pecking Order Under Erik ten Hag
This summer new United manager Erik ten Hag has signed defenders Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez. This has left the Red Devils’ boss with seven options in central defence and four at left-back. Therefore, United will allow at least one central defender to leave and it appears that player will be Eric Bailly.
In their last two friendlies before the Premier League begins, United gave two pairings the chance to stake their claim to start the season. Bailly was not among them. In one game Ten Hag played Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at centre-back against Atletico Madrid and then paired Raphael Varane and new signing Martinez together against Rayo Vallecano.
Although Bailly came on as a substitute during the second game at Old Trafford, it appears that should an acceptable offer be received, his career at the Theatre of Dreams is over.
Signed for a reported fee of £30 million in 2016 from Villarreal, the Ivory Coast international has gone on to play 113 games in all competitions, scoring once. Bailly currently has two years left on his current contract.
Erik ten Hag Ready for the New Season and Happy With New Signing
Following the recent friendly against Real Vallecano, United boss Erik ten Hag believes his team is ready for the season ahead starting with their first game against Brighton and Hove Albion. He is also happy with his new defensive signing Lisandro Martinez who is pushing for a starting place against the Seagulls.
Speaking to manutd.com, Ten Hag said: “Overall, definitely,” he said. “I think we [have had] a good pre-season. We make good progress. We are ready for the season. I know there is still room for improvement. We have to improve and that is also a process that continues during the season. But, for next week, it’s about the result as well.”
In terms of Martinez and his pairing with Raphael Varane, he said: “I think it was a really good combination with Rapha [Varane] and they played really solid. That was good to see. Always the question is how do you integrate and I think he can integrate quite well into the team.”
