Manchester United's Eric Bailly Conundrum Which Was On Show Against Liverpool

Eric Bailly’s outstanding second half performance in Manchester United’s 4-0 preseason victory over arch-rivals Liverpool summed up the Ivorian defender’s chaotic brilliance in a nutshell.

United kicked off the first leg of their preseason tour by putting Jurgen Klopp’s side to the sword at the Rajamangala stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

There were some individually improved performances on display and the overall style of play presented by the Reds showed encouraging glimpses of the work that new boss Erik ten Hag and his squad have put in over the first two weeks of the preparation period.

United looked dynamic and dangerous going forward and a little open but diligent at the back in the first half en route to a 3-0 lead at the interval through goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred, and Anthony Martial.

After the break, Ten Hag fielded a brand new XI – minus David de Gea, who stayed in between the sticks – which included Bailly and Alex Telles at the heart of the defence. The roles very much reversed from the opening frame. While United fielded more youth and inexperience, Liverpool gradually began introducing their big guns.

At that point, many would have predicted Klopp’s side to at least get back into the game with a consolation goal or two. But United were relentless in their pursuit of victory despite it only being the premiere preseason fixture. 

Albeit the boss himself saw plenty of imperfections to be corrected in the performance, the Reds showed newfound determination and perseverance and executed everything that Ten Hag has taught them thus far.

Defensively, Bailly was at the heart of it all – showing just how much value he could potentially bring to United with his nous, agility, and calculated aggression. He could bring all those things and improve United considerably if only the Ivorian could stay out of the physio room.

The 28-year-old was excellent against a mixture of youth and experience presented by the team from the red side of the Mersey.

Bailly showed out with several excellent interceptions, reading the game expertly at times. In addition, there were the usual moments of brilliant madness where the defender threw his body on the line – stopping a goal with one of them after a Liverpool set piece.

The Ivory Coast international was tasked with shadowing Liverpool’s £85 million-man – and former United target – Darwin Nunez up front. A physical specimen, the former Benfica man made an underwhelming debut for Klopp’s side, largely thanks to Bailly’s efforts.

The Bailly and Telles centre back partnership was surprisingly efficient and effective, with the former taking a natural lead role.

In saying that this was a Bailly performance in a nutshell, there were certainly a lot less moments of madness than usual. There was an uncharacteristic calmness about the Ivorian. His experience and leadership skills showed. He was always in the right places at the right times while exuding composure on the ball.

It’s hard not to get excited – even in preseason – when players shine like this. The problem with Bailly is that he tends to have those performances – either before the season begins or a handful of times during – before disappearing into the abyss of the treatment table.

Bailly turned 28 in April and has made 113 senior appearances for United in all competitions over six seasons. If you muttered ‘Wow, that is not a lot’ to yourself after reading that number, you wouldn’t be wrong. It isn’t.

Other than his first season at the club in 2016/17, when Bailly played 38 times in all competitions under Jose Mourinho, he has only cracked the 20-game mark once (2020/21) with 21. Otherwise, there were a couple of seasons with 18 appearances, one with 11, and as little as seven last term.

This has by far been Bailly’s biggest problem at United – putting together a run of games. At first, that was put down to his recklessness on the pitch. He just flat out did not care about his body when going into challenges and sprints.

Over time, it appeared as though the Ivorian changed his approach and began being more wary of what his body can and can’t do. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also used him a little more than sporadically in 2020/21, leading to 21 showings in all competitions.

The above was a good season for Bailly and many were hopeful that it would be a springboard for him to maybe even solidifying a spot as a starter the following year. The Ivorian has talent and ability to defend in abundance. He ticks all the boxes for being a great central defender, except for durability.

Last season was so underwhelming that there was internal belief at the club that United’s No. 3 would look for the exit door or rather, that the Reds would simply just want to get him off the books.

Interest from newly promoted Fulham was reported earlier this summer. However, so was Bailly’s intention to remain at the club and fight for a place under Ten Hag. He has every right to do that. But even if he wins it, then what?

In terms of ability, Bailly does not really have to prove anything. Everyone is aware of just how good he is and can be. Speed, strength, awareness, intelligence – he has it all. But if his body won’t cooperate, then all of that is not much good.

In theory, the older a player gets, the worse their injury record is likely to be. However, there is every chance Ten Hag was just as impressed with Bailly’s display as the United faithful.

United have been in advanced talks to sign Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez all summer. The Argentine was an outstanding centre back under the Dutch manager last season. They won the league and reached the domestic cup final together.

With six senior centre backs currently on the books and the Martinez deal reportedly edging closer, United will inevitably have to move some people on. Bailly, Phil Jones, and Axel Tuanzebe are said to be the trio offered to other clubs.

In an alternate universe, Bailly upholding his fitness negates United’s need to shop for a new defender and the reported €55-60 million fee that the Reds are set to fork out for “The Butcher of Amsterdam” could be invested elsewhere.

In reality, Eric Bailly’s performance against Liverpool has certainly earned him more minutes on the tour going forward, especially with Harry Maguire still shaking off a knock. Those minutes may turn out to be merely auditions for other clubs in the end – but there is always the odd chance that the Ivorian has not said his last words as a red just yet.