Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is unconcerned about Eric Bailly’s contract extension.
The Ivorian international will be entering into the final year of his contract but Solskjaer has updated that talks to extend his stay at Old Trafford have begun.
The Red Devils signed Eric Bailly from Villarreal in 2016. In his five years of stay, the 27-year old has made just 100 appearances for the club.
His ability is undeniable, but he has been forced to miss games due to injuries on a regular basis.
This season he has started just 7 games for the Red Devils out of the possible 31 games.
Currently, he is a backup to Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. That is why most of his performances have come when Lindelof was not fully fit.
A few days back, ESPN reported that Bailly will prefer to reject any new contract in a bid to move elsewhere and get first-team football.
When asked about Bailly’s future, Solskjaer said, “Eric has played well when he’s played. I know there’s been speculation. We’re talking to him about his contract so I don’t see any issues really.”
Eric Bailly is yet to be seen in a Manchester United shirt since the March international break. The Ivorian tested positive for Covid-19 while away on international duty.
United are set to host Burnley at Old Trafford this weekend. Bailly’s inclusion in the matchday squad has not been ruled out by Solskjaer.
He stated, “Eric has been isolating back home in the Ivory Coast. He’s back in England now. We hope he can be available for the weekend.”
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At this age, Eric Bailly should be in the prime of his career, but injuries keep pulling him away from the first team.
He has the pace and the ruthlessness which is required in a United centre-back. He makes clumsy tackles at times but the more he plays, the better he will get.
If he can finish the season on a stronger note, by featuring consistently for the team, then Red Devils should offer him a contract extension.
Manchester United are already looking to sign a new right-winger and a striker. These two signings could result in a sizable transfer fee.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the revenues of every club. At this stage, signing a new player in each department would be too difficult.
Eric Bailly will be no less than a new signing if he can stay injury-free for a longer period of time next season.
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