United’s Bailly thanks father figure Mourinho

Paul Pogba may have stolen the transfer headlines, but standout defender Eric Bailly has thanked father-figure Jose Mourinho for taking him under his wing.

Ivory Coast defender Bailly has been a rock at the back for Mourinho’s rejuvenated side and picked up United’s Player of the Month Award in August.

“Jose has taken me under his wing, almost like a son, as he does with other players as well,” Bailly explained.

“It’s a pleasure to be here, working with him and learning from him and I have to take advantage over the course of the years from all his experience.

“I am very lucky to have that chance and my future time here is going to be a great footballing experience.”

                                                             (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old secured African Cup of Nations football in 2017 for the Ivory Coast thanks to a 1-1 draw during the international break and Bailly has his eyes on African Player of the Year – an award won four times by Manchester City’s Yaya Toure.

“You should always have to aim high and it all comes down to the amount of work you put in and the rewards you get back for that. I hope I can do this in the African Cup of Nations,” he added.