Bailly set to Shaw up Manchester United defence

Luke Shaw has already seen enough of Eric Bailly to be certain that he will be a smash hit at Old Trafford, after the new Manchester United defender scooped up man-of-the-match honours in the Community Shield on Sunday.

United marked Jose Mourinho’s first competitive match in charge by edging past Premier League champions Leicester City – who for the most part were kept shackled by Bailly and company.

The 22-year-old had only played 40 La Liga matches before completing his move to England over the summer but the first signs are that United’s £30m gamble will pay off.

Shaw was also playing his first competitive game since the leg break against PSV Eindhoven that ended his season last September – and he’s relishing his part in a new-look defence.

“I’d have said (Bailly) was man of the match,” said the England left-back. “He’s really good, he’s composed on the ball, he doesn’t tend to rush and he was strong at the back. Nothing got past him and I’m really looking forward to seeing the player that he’s going to become.

“I’m really happy because it’s my first trophy. I’m really happy for the team as well, this can kick-start our season.”

 (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

The feelgood factor at Old Trafford is due to extend well into this week with £90m man Paul Pogba’s signing now a mere formality.

“After seeing (the Pogba news) there was a good mood around the squad,” added Shaw. “It is another player to fit in our strong squad, there’ll be people fighting for places now and that’s what you need at a top club like Man United to push us all on to win more trophies.”