Manchester United star Eric Bailly expresses sadness at Olympics exit
Manchester United star Eric Bailly put up a disastrous performance for Ivory Coast in their quarter-final game against Spain at the Tokyo Olympics.
The European giants won the game 5-2 in extra-time after being just seconds away from getting eliminated in regular time. While Furia Roja had a night to remember, Bailly will be keen to put it out of his head as soon as possible.
The night started out well for the 27-year-old Red Devils ace as he gave his nation the lead. However, joy turned to horror after he put through Dani Olmo for Spain’s equalizer and made a crucial error for the Europeans’ stoppage-time equalizer. Things got worse in extra-time as Bailly gave away a penalty that saw the Spaniards take the lead.
There was no way back for the African giants and they will now return home empty-handed. Bailly will have to shoulder a large slice of the blame for their exit and took to Instagram to convey his disappointment.
He expressed his pride in the team for fighting until the end and vowed to come back and do better next time. Football at the Olympics is largely an Under-23 event with certain relaxations. Whether Bailly will be one of the overaged players included next time around remains to be seen.
One player who has a better shot at redemption is another United ace, Amad Diallo. He came on in the 63rd minute for the Ivorians but was unable to tip the tide in their favour. One of our best young talents, he has received reasonable playing time at the competition.
Both players will have to spend time in quarantine upon their return to England and look set to miss out on our pre-season preparations. Amad is one of the brightest young players in our squad while Bailly’s future at the club is under scrutiny. Hopefully, they will both come out of the heartbreak, better players and will contribute to our success in the upcoming season.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United believe Solskjaer new deal will be key to signing Erling Haaland
- Romano: Manchester United not considering a move for Jerome Boateng
- Transfer News: Manchester United prepared to move for Leon Goretzka
United kick off their 2021/22 Premier League season against Leeds United at Old Trafford on August 14.
