Eric Bailly was all set to leave Manchester United. The Centre back knew how his situation was at the club. The Red Devils are loaded with 7 first-team Centre backs. Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire were thought to be the first choice pair for Erik Ten Hag. But it seems the tables have turned. Eric Bailly has impressed his new boss in the pre-season. This may just give Ten Hag a headache over who to choose.
Before the summer, the story was completely different. Eric Bailly was nothing but a surplus defender at the club. He was far behind the pecking order for the previous coaches. Ralf Rangnick did not even consider playing the Ivorian. In 2022, Bailly played no competitive game for Manchester United. The CB also got injured in the AFCON finals which ruled him out for a long time
Another CB at the club whose future seems uncertain is Victor Lindelof. The Swedish had a mixed 2022, filling in for Varane or Maguire at times. Still, he managed to appear 34 times for the Red Devils. But now Lisandro Martinez has been signed. This will limit Lindelof’s game time to a large extent. With Bailly bursting onto the scene, Lindelof may have to settle for a reserve role.
Ten Hag Has massive Decisions To Make
It’s only been 2 months but Erik Ten Hag has some big decisions to make. The coach has to decide who to play as the starting Centre backs of the club. The issue has been a big one at Manchester United for years now. Ten Hag did get Lisandro Martinez as he asked for. But he knows that a world-class ball carrier is what they lack. Frenkie De Jong has turned them down several times.
The attacking position also seems to be a big dilemma. Cristiano Ronaldo plans to leave the club with no intention to play Europa League football. Anthony Martial’s future has also been sorted with the Frenchman set to stay. But the problem lies in the defense with no player set to start. Ten Hag also announced that Harry Maguire will be the captain for the upcoming season.
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