Before moving to Manchester United from Villarreal, defender Eric Bailly reportedly rejected an offer from rivals Manchester City.
Former Villarreal defender Eric Bailly became Manchester United’s and manager Jose Mourinho’s first signing of the summer when he completed a reported £30 million switch. The 20-year-old was extremely delighted to join the Red Devils, and in a recent interview he revealed why he chose to move to the Red half of Manchester, snubbing neighbours Manchester City.
According to Mike Mcgrath of The Sun (h/t Goal), the Ivorian explained that the primary reason for moving to Old Trafford was because he wanted to work under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach has managed some of the best players in the game, and Bailly believes that he is the right man to take his career to the next level.
“I signed for United because I like Mourinho, as simple as that. I wanted to play for someone who works very hard.
“I didn’t speak to Pep Guardiola, but the ‘second’ manager called me,” Bailly told The Sun.
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba was one of Jose Mourinho’s favourite players during the coach’s days at Stamford Bridge. It is understood that Drogba spoke to Bailly regarding Mourinho, explaining how good and genuine a coach the Portuguese really is.
“Mourinho called me as well and he told me to come and play for him. I prefer Mourinho, in part because of Didier Drogba, who worked with him. Didier is a friend and he told me Jose did a lot for him.
“Yaya [Toure] also called me and wanted me to come to City, but once Jose spoke to me and Didier gave me advice, I knew straight away I wanted to play for him,” the defender added.
Bailly made his unofficial debut for the club when the Red Devils took on Wigan at the DW Stadium on the 16th of July. The 20-year-old put in a decent showing against the Championship outfit, and also displayed the physical aspect of his game. Given the fast and enduring nature of England’s top tier, Eric Bailly already looks like a decent Premier League centre-half.