Varun Pai
Manchester United recall Eric Bailly from AFCON preparations ahead of Burnley fixture
According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required), Manchester United have recalled Eric Bailly from his AFCON preparations to contest in the game against Burnley on Thursday night.
The Red Devils slumped to a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Monday. The frontline failed to do their job, but the defensive display was poorer, with Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire chasing shadows at the back. The high-flying duo of Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles was of no help either.
Ralf Rangnick also confirmed before the game that Victor Lindelof had tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday. Thus, with dire concerns about our backline, Man United have recalled Eric Bailly after initially letting him leave early to prepare for the AFCON in January.
The centre-back is a crucial part of the Ivorian national team, but since the tournament starts on 9th January, Bailly could return before that date. The Old Trafford outfit lost ground in the Top 4 race following the draw at St. James’ Park, courtesy of which the clash against the Clarets on Thursday is all the more important.
Good decision?
It is a smart decision to recall the 27-year-old for the mid-week tie, but one would question why he was allowed to leave so early. Liverpool and Chelsea are sending their stars after the coming weekend’s fixtures, and Man United could have simply followed suit.
Even without the positive case of Lindelof, two centre-back deputies are a must in any team. Phil Jones might have returned to action, but fans would not be instilled with confidence if the Englishman is called upon to compete in his first game in 2 years during the festive period.
Bailly has performed well when he has been selected. Moreover, he acted as a leader during the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure. Thus, letting him leave during a hectic fixture schedule was not a wise decision, especially with our squad now feeling the ‘side-effects‘ of the Covid outbreak earlier this month.
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Regardless, he is back now and in contention to feature against Sean Dyche and co. Rangnick needs a victory to put us back on the path to contest for the 4th spot on the table, and the defensive resilience provided by Bailly could be the difference-maker on the night.
Let us hope we don’t get to a point where one of Maguire or Varane is indisposed for selection, considering they are still quality players despite their showing against the Magpies. But if it comes to that, Bailly could make for a smart backup option.
