Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is reportedly concerned over his prospects at Old Trafford following the addition of Raphael Varane.
According to a report from ESPN, Eric Bailly has asked for clarification over his future at Manchester United. He is concerned about his first-team opportunities next season, following the signing of Raphael Varane that has left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with at least seven options at his disposal at centre-back.
Bailly signed a contract extension with Manchester United in April, extending his stay until 2024. The contract offer guaranteed first-team opportunities for the centre-back, but it appears the club is about to break its promise, as indicated by the recent addition of Varane from Real Madrid.
A summer arrival from Villarreal in 2016, Bailly’s spell at Old Trafford has been marred by injuries and lack of game-time. Even last season, the defender fell behind Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire in the pecking order, as he ended the campaign with just 915 minutes of action in the Premier League for Manchester United.
With just over 100 competitive appearances in five years, there is no secret that the Ivorian has had a disappointing spell at Old Trafford. One would expect the arrival of Varane to further diminish his role in the Manchester United first-team, thus leading to a potential move away from the club this summer.
Earlier this month, Bailly was linked with a return to his former club Villarreal, but it remains to be seen whether the Spanish outfit can afford his services. The 27-year-old is unlikely to have any problems finding a suitor, though, as the defender is still regarded as a rock at the back, whose physical and aerial prowess can make him an asset for any club in Europe.
Bailly is not the only Manchester United defender to be facing an uncertain future either. The club is already prepared to terminate the contract of Phil Jones, who is a target for West Ham and Everton.
Axel Tuanzebe, meanwhile, has attracted the attention of Newcastle United, as the youngster clearly does not have any future at Old Trafford. It essentially means that Manchester United are bracing themselves for a potential mass exodus in the defensive department, with at least four central defenders in contention leave the club this summer.
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It will be interesting to see whether that would tempt Solskjaer from eyeing further reinforcements. The Red Devils have been most recently linked with a sensational double swoop for Atletico Madrid stars Kieran Trippier and Saul Niguez this week, as they continue their spending spree this summer. As for Bailly, it remains to be seen if he leaves Manchester United this summer.
