Hard work paying off for Bailly

Eric Bailly has settled into life in the Premier League with remarkable ease and the Manchester United defender claims it is his hard work since arriving in England that has ensured a smooth transition.

The Ivorian international joined United from Villarreal over the summer and has instantly provided a stabilising influence at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence.

In fact, so impressive have been Bailly’s performances that he earned man-of-the-match honours in the Community Shield victory over Leicester and the opening-day 3-1 league triumph against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

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

The 22-year-old is adamant he never had a moment’s hesitation about accepting a move to Old Trafford and already feels that decision has been vindicated – as much by the characters in the squad as by the club’s stature.

“I chose United firstly because it’s one of the greatest clubs in the world and also because I was drawn by the big personalities at the club who showed they wanted to have me here,” explained Bailly.

“I had to take that moment without thinking about it. It was a no-brainer.

“The man-of-the-match awards are something I hadn’t thought about but I got them through the hard work I have put in.

“I hope to see more of that in the weeks ahead of us.”