Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has hailed Eric Bailly for his start to his Old Trafford career. The Ivory Coast international has eased into the starting XI for United with numerous impressive displays.

Bailly is being compared to Vidic, who spent nine years at the club winning almost every trophy, for his style of play. The Serbian admits that if Bailly continues to work hard then he can achieve great heights at the club.

Bailly has a great career ahead

Bailly was rewarded for his impressive form as he won club’s man of the match award for August and the centre-back was once again impressive in last Saturday’s 4-1 win over Leicester City. Jose Mourinho has also praised the defender on numerous occasion for how quickly he has adapted to the Premier League. Vidic admitted that “it's nice to hear comparisons and, from what I've seen, he is a very good player.”

The Serbian believes that “if Bailly keeps going as he is, he will definitely have a great career at United.” Vidic also expressed his happiness after Bailly was compared to him. Vidic is fondly known for his partnership with Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the defence at Old Trafford and he is hopeful that a player like “Bailly does well for United.”

Eric Bailly tackles Nicolas Otamendi as he shoots at goal during the Manchester derby. | Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Eric Bailly tackles Nicolas Otamendi as he shoots at goal during the Manchester derby. | Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The defender has surprised everyone at the club

Bailly joined Manchester United from Villarreal in the summer. He was one of the four signings the club made which included Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Vidic believes that “of all the signings we've had this year, I think he's the one that has surprised everyone the most.” He also claimed that Bailly is already a fan favourite.

The former Inter Milan defender also highlighted the qualities of Bailly. He insisted that “Bailly is strong and composed with the ball. He's a very confident player. He has a bit of everything.” Vidic watched Bailly at Old Trafford against Leicester and admitted that United have “a great player for the future and a player the club needed.”

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About the author
Kiran Thakare
Student of Chemical Engineering. United supporter.