It has been a while since a Manchester United defender purred like a Rolls Royce.
That’s what Harry Redknapp labelled Rio Ferdinand when he first saw him at West Ham. It is a fitting comparison as Ferdinand exuded a mix of elegance and steel throughout his glittering career.
United have depended heavily on David de Gea to bail them out of late, with various combinations of defenders failing to fully convince the United faithful. Jose Mourinho will be hoping to change that and it was no surprise that his first signing was a stopper in the shape of Eric Bailly from Villarreal.
Whilst he was only playing against Wigan Athletic in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, Bailly handled all they slung at him and still found time to entertain the fans.
Skills from @EricBailly24 ? Watch #MUFC live on #MUTVHD: https://t.co/FbgThKueDt https://t.co/nUxxcyJjqO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 16, 2016
There may be hope yet.
As for his other defensive contributions, Bailly made a couple of nice interceptions and headers while he was not afraid to bark orders at the rest of his back four. He made two decent forays upfield too before finding a teammate and retreating back.
