Patrick Rees
Manchester United have done a great business this summer and unarguably, the former Villarreal defender Eric Bailly is the underdog amongst all. The 22-year-old was the first signing of Jose Mourinho’s era at the Old Trafford, and the arrivals of the players like Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan and Pogba completely overshadowed Bailly’s move.
But quite surprisingly, he has been the star for the team since the league has kicked off. The 22-year-old has already won three man of the match awards in just four competitive games and has also been elected as United’s player-of-the-month award for August. Many now believe that he is destined for more. Bailly was surely a surprise signing for the Devils, but this was no secret that a centre back was a necessity. Big names like Bonucci and Varane were linked, with Mourinho set his sights on the 22-year-old.
Now, in a recently interview, Bailly’s best friend and former Espanyol team-mate Joan Jordan, revealed, how Bailly joined Manchester United. The Ivory Coast international knew that he was a subject of an interest from a host of top European clubs, but it was Jose Mourinho’s phone call that did the trick.
“It was Jose Mourinho [on the phone]. It was out of the blue, it meant a huge amount and Eric called me up all excited,” Jordan said. “He was saying, ‘How can I say no when Mourinho calls me?’
“Mourinho spoke in French, Eric’s mother tongue, and explained exactly what his role would be and what his plan was for United.
“Mourinho’s phone call was a big intervention.”
With these kinds of performances, the 22-year-old is not just winning the hearts of the spectators, but his team-mates are impressed as well. Bailly contribution in the side can be clearly seen by the amount of work De Gea has been doing so far, in the new season. The Spaniard was kept busy by anything last season, but the tables have now turned and in these three Premier League games, United have conceded just one goal.
David de Gea described Bailly as a powerhouse and gave the impression that the African has made an instant impact on the dressing room.
“Oof, a great signing,’ said De Gea. ‘Eric’s come in and surprised us all very quickly. I remember when I first came to England and, trust me, it can be hard early on but he’s flying.
“He is physical, strong, technically confident and super-fast. He only speaks a little English but we have lots of Spaniards in the dressing room and Paul Pogba speaks French of course.”
