2016-2017 Season Performance Review: Eric Bailly

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 14: Eric Bailly of Manchester United in action during the Preimer League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane on May 14, 2017 in London, England. Tottenham Hotspur are playing their last ever home match at White Hart Lane after their 118 year stay at the stadium. Spurs will play at Wembley Stadium next season with a move to a newly built stadium for the 2018-19 campaign. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images ) /

Pre-Season

Eric Bailly was Jose Mourinho’s first signing for his new club. The Ivorian signed a four-year contract from Villarreal. Bailly started in the first friendly against Wigan and played 82 minutes before being replaced by Axel Tuanzebe. The center back played all 90 minutes in the pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund. In the Galatasaray match, Bailly played 67 minutes in the win. He played all 90 minutes in the Community Shield victory over Leicester City. He obviously earned the trust of Mourinho early on.

Start of the Season

Bailly did not take long to adapt to the Premier League. It was obvious that he had the pace and strength to cope with anyone in the Premier League. He quickly became a starter for the Red Devils and did not seem to budge from the starting XI. The defender had a period on the sidelines in November but quickly returned to the lineup in December.

Mid-Season

The Ivorian had another spell on the sidelines in January and returned for the matches against Saint-Etienne in the Europa League. He also started in the EFL Cup final where Manchester United won 3-2.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Eric Bailly of Manchester United is put under pressure from Diego Costa of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

End of the Season

With the injuries to Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, and Marcos Rojo, Bailly was the only fit center back. He played almost 90 minutes in every game after their injuries. He was an integral part of the team’s success late in the season but was unfortunate to get sent off in the Celta Vigo match which put him out of the Europa League final.

Overall Stats

Bailly featured 38 times for the Red Devils this season. He did not score any goals or assists. His first season was very impressive and Mourinho will look to him next year to be a part of an organized defense.

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