Mourinho influence key to Bailly making Manchester United home

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly believes the one-to-one tutoring given to him by manager Jose Mourinho this season has been the key to hitting the ground running in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old was a mainstay at the heart of United’s defence in the first three months of the season.

Though injury, and a trip to the Africa Cup of Nations, then restricted his playing time at Old Trafford, Bailly has been thrown straight back in by Mourinho for their wins over Leicester City and Watford this month.

United kept a clean sheet in both fixtures as they continue their slow climb up the Premier League table, and Bailly says Mourinho should take all the credit.

“One surprise was getting into the team so quickly,” Bailly said.

“But what I’ve had from day one and, what I’m really grateful for, is the excellent work of the backroom staff, the coaches, the fitness coaches and I’ve enjoyed the confidence and the backing of the manager as well.

“What I’ve found different to any other manager I’ve had in my career is the time he takes and the time he spends with you individually. He’s shown me videos where he’s looked at game situations that have happened that involved myself or the defence in general.

“He’s taken the time to talk me through stuff. We’ve had chats about how to approach games tactically. It’s something that’s been really helpful for me.”