Manchester United are seemingly set to go with Eric Bailly at the heart of their defence tonight.
After Harry Maguire took little-to-no-part in Manchester United training last night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s mind would have been firmly fixated on who will replace him.
It looks for all the world like Victor Lindelof’s place in the XI is all-but-guaranteed. Now, it’s about choosing the right partner. The options? Axel Tuanzebe or Eric Bailly.
The latter has the experience, while the former is in the better knick right now. Well, it’s Bailly who has been given the nod, according to the usually-reliable Leah Smith.
Apparently, the 27-year-old is ‘in line’ to start the Europa League final for United vs Villareal to play. Although she stresses we should treat this as ‘unconfirmed’, Smith adds it does ‘sound promising’ that the star will be included in the XI.
Here at Old Trafford Faithful, we always assumed Solskjaer would go with Bailly. First and foremost, he’s played in these high-intensity matches far more than Tuanzebe has. I’d also suggest the Ivorian has a little bit more pace, too, which could be key against this Villareal attack.
After handing Bailly a new contract pretty recently, Solskjaer told everyone that he believes in the former Villareal defender. The best way to prove that was by starting him in this game.
Now, it’s down to the player to repay the faith and loyalty shown in him by the manager – who has stuck right by Bailly despite the fact that the centre-half has been injured more often than not.
Hopefully, Bailly has a solid game because if he doesn’t and United lose, it’ll be Solskjaer who takes the blame for making the wrong call…
Does Bailly deserve the start? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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