Solskjaer confirms Man Utd are set to offer Bailly new contract

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 5 min read

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that the club have begun negotiations with Eric Bailly and his representatives to extend the player’s contract. 

Bailly’s current contract runs until 2022, meaning the player would be allowed to leave Old Trafford at the end of next season for free. 

The Ivory Coast international joined Man Utd in 2017 from Villarreal for a reported £35 million but despite numerous good performances the central defender has struggled to stay fit for long periods of time in Manchester. 

Indeed, over the last four years Bailly has managed just 100 games for the Premier League side, with numerous injuries ruling him completely out of action. 

Despite that, Solskjaer believes the defender is getting better at dealing with his injuries and should be a player the club should try and hold on to. 

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“Yes we are talking to Eric and Eric’s representatives,” confirmed Solskjaer in a press conference on Friday.

“He is keeping fitter for longer and you can see his performances as well and I have been very happy with him. 

“His playing style has sometimes made him lose too many games because 100 games is not enough for the period he has been here. 

“He is getting more and more robust so yes he is one we are talking to.” 

Will Bailly stay at Man Utd next season? 

Although the club have confirmed that they have begun contract negotiations with Bailly over a new contract there’s no assurances that it will lead to the central defender committing his future to Man Utd. 

Solskjaer’s comments undoubtedly suggest that he rates the defender highly, but Bailly may wish to receive further reassurances that Man Utd won’t be shopping for a new central defender this summer with the kind of necessity that reports in England suggest they will. 

And until the Ivory Coast talent can get some assurances of game time next season then any kind of contract extension may be put on hold.