Manchester B center-back Eric Bailly has received tips to get clarification from the club about his role at Old Trafford following the agreement to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.
United have announced that an agreement has been reached with Real to sign Varane, subject to the formalities in medical and finer details, with the four-time Champions League winner becoming Harry Maguire’s partner at the heart of the defense.
Bailly will be transferred to a back-up role when Raphael Varane arrives / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
The Frenchman’s arrival will move Victor Lindelof to a back-up role, while it has similar consequences for Bailly, who already spent much of last season on the bench when it was in shape.
United also still have Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi in the first team group.
ESPN writes that Bailly is worried that his playing time is still limited. The 27-year-old only signed a new contract at Old Trafford in April, but it is said that the negotiations around that deal were strongly focused on his game prospects.
Bailly was clearly pleased with the assurances he was offered at the time, although the opportunism that has allowed United to land Varane has apparently thrown a wrench on the way.
Speaking in May, Bailly issued a general warning to United that he is not prepared to accept a back-up role and despite his new contract, he will listen to offers if that is the case.
– Competition is always good to improve. I’m just saying I want to stay if I get the chance to play. I do not want to be a start a game and replace another five. If that happens, I have to look for another solution, ”the International Ivory Coast explained at the time.
“The new contract is good but if I do not play I will be open to listening to other proposals.”
Bailly signed a new Man Utd contract as recently as April / BSR Agency / Getty Images
ESPN notes that United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær wants four established midfielders in his squad, which would still make Bailly a key asset as several others could leave.
Jones has not played since January 2020 due to worrying knee problems and 90 minutes revealed earlier this month the club are considering allowing him to leave for free, while Tuanzebe has been linked with Newcastle to get more playing time, and Mengi is wanted by Championship clubs on loan.
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