Manchester United season player ratings: Centre-backs

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Eric Bailly of Manchester United and James Milner of Liverpool battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 10, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Eric Bailly of Manchester United and James Milner of Liverpool battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 10, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Eric Bailly – 6/10

Like Jones, Eric Bailly had a brilliant start to the season, but that was pretty much it. He was terrific in United’s opening six games but a couple of injuries disrupted his rhythm. The biggest of those injuries was an issue with his ankle which kept Bailly out for three months.

The Ivory Coast international returned in late February but couldn’t force himself back into Mourinho side with the likes of Smalling, Jones and Lindelof in decent form. Further omissions from the squad in April and May were put due to the fact Bailly wasn’t going to the World Cup, therefore, he wasn’t paying for his place, according to Jose Mourinho.

But many fans were bemused by the exclusion of him and not others who were also not attending flying to Russia this summer. That led to a panic amongst United fans whether or not the two had fallen out.

Unfortunately for Bailly, despite being one of United’s most competent defenders when at his best, he struggled for form on return from injury. Only playing 18 games in all competitions. Just six more than our next defender…