Manchester United defender Eric Bailly put in an impressive performance despite his team scraping a 2-2 draw against Atalanta yesterday evening.
The Ivorian international has been used sparingly by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this campaign but, with Victor Lindelof sidelined due to injury, the centre-back was called into action.
United found it difficult to contain Atalanta at times but Bailly was the one who was putting out most of the fires. One notable incident saw him bail out Paul Pogba, by launching himself into a last-ditch challenge that saved a certain goal. Fans on Twitter were praising Bailly after the match for both the tackle and his overall display:
That’s what you call a tackle just throw your body into it
— Shaun Barker (@ShaunBa14242796) November 3, 2021
Easily man of match . He better not be benched on weekend
— Teddy Reid (@TeddyReid19) November 3, 2021
Beast
— 7ammod__sk (@7ammodS) November 3, 2021
We need to riot if Ole drops him for Man City. What a perfomance
— DIALLO FC🙌 (@DialloFC1) November 3, 2021
The audacity of throwing everything to defend that bailly has. I’ve not seen in any of our CBs in recent times. He’s just unplayable on his day. Pace, Agility, strength. He’s got everything
— Manchester United (@thetreble_1999) November 3, 2021
Quality
— Nana-Believe (@NanaKwameNyark5) November 3, 2021
Well done to Bailly, alway putting his life for the team 😎😍💥💥
— Nana Yaw Fosu (@NanaYawFosu10) November 3, 2021
This man needs to stay fit 😭😭
— Maxwell (@badboymax_) November 3, 2021
If Solskjaer does persist with three at the back against Manchester City on Saturday, and Raphael Varane is ruled out with an injury, Bailly will be a surefire starter for the derby.
Consistency has always been the Ivorian’s issue so it will be hoped that he can carry the form he showed in Bergamo last night into the weekend.