Eric Bally’s contract extended until 2022 by the Red Devils | Manchester United News

Manchester United have trigger a 2-year extension in Bailly's contract

Manchester United have extended Eric Bailly’s stay at Old Trafford, Sky Sports reports. The Red Devils triggered a 2-year extension clause in the Ivorian’s contract, which means that Bailly will remain at the club until the summer of 2022.

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The Ivorian was in the final 6 months of his contract with Manchester United, and the fact that he had missed the entire season so far due to an injury fuelled speculations about his future. 

Bailly had picked up a serious knee injury during pre-season that required surgery and the Ivorian subsequently missed the first half of the season.

Eric Bailly could yet have a part to play in Manchester United’s season

 

Bailly could give Solskjaer options at the back for the rest of the season

Manchester United’s defensive woes have refused to subside this season, despite the acquisition of Harry Maguire for a world-record fee. The Red Devils have been guilty of defensive lapses and the team has turned into a Jekyll and Hyde this season; Manchester United have been brilliant and poor with equal inconsistencies so far. 

Even though Maguire’s presence has added a bit of steel to the backline, a fully fit Bailly could be an asset to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian is still fighting on 4 fronts this season, although Manchester United’s battle for 4^th place that is the main priority here.   

Nevertheless, with the team still in the F.A. Cup and Europa League, and a League Cup second leg with Manchester City coming up, Eric Bailly could very well have a role to play in the second half of the season.

The Ivorian joined Manchester United in the summer of 2016, and despite the initial promise, failed to live up to the expectations. Injuries and lack of form have hurt Bailly’s chances, but it cannot be denied that he can be impregnable at the back on his day. 

Bailly is currently back training with the team and is nearing the date of return from injury. However, he has very little chance of making it into the squad that will travel to Anfield on Sunday to face runaway leaders Liverpool in the Premier League. Instead, the Ivorian could be back by the end of this month, ideally in the 4^th round F.A. Cup tie on the 26^th of January.

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