Why Manchester United are doing the right thing by loaning out Eric Bailly

Manchester United could send Eric Bailly out on loan next season, according to The Sun, with Valencia showing interest.

The club were unwilling to let the player walk away for free and thus triggered a two-year contract extension option back in January this year.

The centre-back joined the club in 2016 from La Liga side Villarreal but has failed to hold a regular spot due to injuries and inconsistent form.

United have a lot of defenders in their squad at the moment. Maguire and Lindelof have often played together. The team also have Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Axel Tuanzebe competing for a spot.

The team also has Timothy Fosu-Mensah to play in the role if required. Also, not to forget, Chris Smalling, will return after his loan spell at AS Roma.

With a lot of players available at Solskjaer’s disposal, Eric Bailly seems surplus to requirements especially given his injuries and form. Manchester United still see Bailly as important but would prefer him to spend time elsewhere, where he can get regular minutes and regain form.

Manchester United are definitely making the right choice by letting the player go elsewhere so that he could be given the opportunity to gain regular first-team minutes.

Final words

Bailly is a good defender but injuries have taken a big toll on his career. Hence it would be right for the 26-year-old Ivorian to go out on loan. This would be in the best interests of the club as well.

The tough-tackling £80k-a-week defender can be a really vital member when fully fit. For that to happen though, he needs to move out of United. The other players have cemented their place and the Ivorian isn’t fully equipped and ready to claim his place at Old Trafford.

Bailly has made only three Premier League appearances this season and should thus spend a short term out on loan and get fully fit to play week in and week out before aiming to be back to Manchester United’s starting XI.