Manchester United not ready to sanction loan move for Eric Bailly despite AC Milan interest
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are unwilling to sanction a loan for Eric Bailly despite interest from AC Milan for a move in the January transfer window. He has had a diminished role throughout this season, with most of his minutes coming as a result of a lack of available options in the centre of the defence.
Bailly is interested in moving to San Siro this month, but Man United are keen on keeping the squad intact for the rest of the season. Loan moves would not be entertained at all despite him earning little to no minutes this campaign. Milan were eyeing Sven Botman from Lille at first but have now turned their attention towards the Red Devils ace and Paris Saint-Germain’s Abdou Diallo.
The 27-year-old had signed an extension last year and is set to be at Old Trafford until 2024. He was concerned about signing a new deal and the intentions behind the club in extending his contract. He feared that the club offered him an extension in order to get a transfer fee in the event of his departure.
Right choice?
The decision to keep hold of the current crop of players may have been taken due to the current circumstances. There have been times this season where Raphel Varane has struggled with injuries and even the reliable Harry Maguire hasn’t been available for selection.
The England international has been on the receiving end of criticisms as a result of his poor run of form, which means that it is healthy to have some competition for him at the back. But this is also an opportunity for us.
It may be one of the few chances that we may get to offload the Ivory Coast international, be it on a temporary basis. His inconsistency in performances and injury issues continue to keep him out of the starting XI picture, so it is not ridiculous to suggest that we can upgrade on him. But whether it is the right time for that or not depends on what Ralf Rangnick wants to do in the winter transfer window.
It will be interesting to see if we bring in any new faces or not. Weakening the team certainly doesn’t make sense right now. However, we have not yet made any rumblings in the market so far, which is concerning, to say the least.
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It remains to be seen what comes of this particular transfer story. Bailly was recalled from AFCON preparations by the Red Devils just a couple of days after Boxing Day, highlighting how thin we were at the back in terms of defensive options. If by any chance, he does depart United this month, fans would certainly question the board’s planning if a replacement isn’t lined up for him.
