Eric Bailly’s loan move: Manchester United’s central defender has been speculated with a move to Unai Emery’s side in the current window.
Manchester United are on a seven-game winning run under their caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
While the side’s attack has vastly improved, with the team scoring 19 goals since the arrival of Solskjaer, the defence continues to remain an issue.
The side has conceded 33 goals in the Premier League so far, which is the highest among the top six in the table at the moment. Moreover, before Solskjaer’s appointment, Manchester United’s goal difference was -2.
And so, the club has reportedly taken a bold decision regarding a loan move for one of their central defenders, Eric Bailly.
Eric Bailly’s loan move:
The Ivory Coast defender has been largely confined to the bench in this season. Bailly has made only 11 appearances across all competitions this season.
After Solskjaer was appointed as the new interim boss at the club, the defender started against Bournemouth but was red-carded in the 79th minute of the game. He was on the bench in the game against Brighton.
It was reported by various media outlets that Arsenal, who are facing inconsistency in their defence, are eyeing a loan move for Eric Bailly.
However, it is now being reported that Manchester United have rejected the move.
Even when Bailly is not the current first-choice centre-back under Solskaer, the Old Trafford outfit has refused to help their rivals, considering the current stage of the season.
Manchester United are currently level on points with Arsenal, who are fifth in the table. Moreover, the side closed the gap to three points with the fourth-placed Chelsea, as the battle between the three sides for a top-four finish becomes increasingly intense.
Eric Bailly has 18 months remaining in his contract but the Manchester United hierarchy has reportedly decided to wait for a permanent appointment at the end of the season to make a decision.
Earlier this week, Manchester United’s official website quoted Eric Bailly as he reflected on his move to the club in 2016.
“I was with my mum in the lounge and I told her I was going to sign for United,” the defender said.
“The family came and we talked and everyone was delighted. That day was one big happy time.
“Then I had to get on the flight to come and finalise all the arrangements in England. I had to undergo medical tests and sign here in Manchester.”
