For everything that Eric Bailly apparently lacks to be an elite centre-back, two qualities which he brings to the table for Manchester United — personality and individuality — should not be overlooked as Erik ten Hag continues to shape the squad in his own image this summer window.
A dismal campaign at Old Trafford last time out sunk morale to new lows. Ten Hag and his vibrant start as United manager hints towards a brighter future, though, and there are several factors to that upturn.
Jadon Sancho has been a shining light during two dazzling pre-season outings, while several promising youngsters have also caught the eye. Others at a crossroads in their United career — including Bailly and a rejuvenated Anthony Martial — could prompt Ten Hag into an immediate U-turn on their futures.
READ MORE: Martinez could prompt Bailly switch
Six years after starting his United career, Bailly was seemingly heading for the exit this summer and the impending signing of Lisandro Martinez complicates things further. However, during his impressive outings on two continents in pre-season so far, the Ivorian has given Ten Hag some familiar for thought.
"He is a team boy, he is a great boy. He is an honest man, always ready to give everything for the team. That is why we have him, why we still have him and why he is going to stay. Football teams need people like him, people where the club is more important than anything else."
Bailly was the first signing made by Jose Mourinho in 2016 and, as such, the former United manager was naturally a champion for him throughout his time in the Old Trafford hot-seat. But those above comments, made during the 2018 tour, went overlooked by successors Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick as interim.
Ten Hag must not fall into that trap and now has first-hand proof of what Bailly can provide.
Given United's defensive struggles last season, it was baffling how the Ivorian only played seven games — that after he signed a contract extension last summer — and he even slipped behind Phil Jones in the United pecking order. It may still be that both players leave during the transfer window, along with fellow centre-back Axel Tuanzebe.
However, when providing two eye-catching attacking moments on tour, Bailly underlined everything strong about his game and, at 28, it would be reasonable to suggest he is entering his peak years. Perhaps the learning curve has been served and Bailly has ironed out those erratic moments of madness that characterised his game.
United did not get to find out whether that is the case last season as he was simply not used enough. It underlined a clear example of past contract and transfer failings if they really did want him out at that time.
Mourinho has spelled out exactly why that would be a mistake. Ten Hag is savvy enough to work it out for himself, though, and will change tack if needed with regards any pre-disposition he had on Bailly.
By signing Martinez, the Dutchman has added to an area that is already well-stocked and there will be casualties to balance the squad. Bailly was initially thought to be on that particular list — as he could still command a half-decent fee — but Mourinho could be proved right, once again, in Bailly's own quest for redemption.
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