Varun Pai
Eric Bailly hands Manchester United injury boost by easing concerns after being substituted against Burnley
Speaking in a video message, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United ace Eric Bailly revealed that he was just tired after garnering injury concerns following his substitution against Burnley.
The Red Devils picked up their third victory in the last four league games on Thursday by comfortably putting away the Clarets. After a rugged draw against Newcastle, Rangnick made six changes, including starting Eric Bailly, who was recalled from his preparations for the AFCON.
The 27-year-old defender was relatively solid for the opening half an hour, but an error on his part led to Aaron Lennon running through our backline and scoring. Following this incident, the centre-back felt like he was in distress in the second half. Rangnick made the change and brought on Raphael Varane.
Bailly has now posted a video message easing the injury concerns by stating that he was just tired.
“Thank you to all of the fans for the support tonight. It was a good victory. I am good, I am good, just tired. A good win to finish the year.”
Rangnick also talked about the Ivorian after the game and revealed his unhappiness with the error for the goal. However, he was impressed with the defender’s performance on the night.
“I think he did well, apart from the mistake for the goal we conceded, so I think it was a very good performance from Eric. It was very concentrated and very focused.”
Bailly to start against Wolves?
The defender had just returned from Africa and keeping that in mind, his tiredness is understandable. However, as Rangnick reiterated, the centre-back was impressive. He was always first to the second ball and displayed great strength in 1v1 situations.
His discomfort was a worry, but since he has not picked up an injury, he could be considered to start the game against Wolves on Monday. Varane recently returned from a two-month injury and needs to be eased back into action.
Victor Lindelof also tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, making him an unlikely prospect to feature against Wolves. Harry Maguire flourishes alongside a pacy centre-back, while the Ivorian is likely to leave for the AFCON after the Monday evening fixture.
Thus, it is wise to use him while he is still at Old Trafford. Rangnick shall have the final say at the end of the day but given his mid-week performance, Bailly could be the difference-maker for us against the Midlands club.
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The former Villarreal star was recalled from international duty earlier this week after injury concerns and Covid-19 uncertainty had rendered Man United helpless. Lindelof has clearly led Bailly in the pecking order when fit recently but the latter has now shown that he is an able fourth-choice defender to have- one we can count on when we are in need.
Hopefully, he keeps fit in the future as well because recent injury worries and Harry Maguire’s volatile form proves that Rangnick could have to use all four of his centre-backs at regular intervals in busy periods.
