Despite making Villarreal defender Eric Bailly the first signing of his tenure at Manchester United, manager Jose Mourinho appears unsure as to whether the young back will have a consistent spot on the first team next season.
In an interview with MUTV, Mourinho complimented Bailly on his skill as a centre-back and right back, but added that he remained skeptical as to whether the 22-year-old defender will be ready to play next month.
“I could compare him with some players I had previously, but I don’t want to,” Mourinho said.
“He’s a player we believe has all the attributes. Very strong and very fast. It’s not easy to find a fast player with a big body.
“He’s played a right back and that is good for a central defender.
“Is he ready? I don’t know.”
Bailly had a breakout season with Villarreal this past season, setting career-highs in appearances while scoring his first professional goal in a Europa League win over Dinamo Minsk. His strong play contributed to the club finishing fourth on the table with the fourth-fewest goals allowed in La Liga, securing a Champions League berth in the process.
Manchester United have also signed former PSG super-striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and are on the verge of completing a deal for Borussia Dortmund assist-wizard Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
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