- 10 hours ago
‘I don’t see any issues’ – Man Utd manager offers Bailly contract update
Stefan Bienkowski
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:39 CDT
- 5 min read
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that the club are still speaking to Eric Bailly about a new contract extension.
The Ivory Coast international has struggled for game time this season at Old Trafford, with injuries and the Man Utd manager picking other defenders over the 27-year-old talent.
As such, Bailly has managed just 15 appearances in all competitions and just seven starts from a possible 31 Premier League games.
That lack of game time will undoubtedly play a part in whether the defender decides to stay at the club, with Bailly’s contract set to enter its final year in the summer.
READ MORE: ‘Put egos aside and be ready’ – Tuchel issues warning to Chelsea forwards
This, in turn, has led to speculation surrounding the player’s future and whether or not he will stay at the Old Trafford club. However, Solskjaer remains hopeful.
“Eric has been isolating back home in Ivory Coast,” Solskjaer said at a press conference on Friday.
“He is back here now. Hope he’ll be available for the weekend. Hopefully he will train tomorrow and see how he feels. Had a test today, need confirmation he’s still negative.
“Eric has played well when he’s played. I know there has been speculation. We are talking to him about his contract. I don’t see any issues with him.”
Will Bailly stay at Man Utd next season?
While Solskjaer may be suggesting that the club are intent on keeping Bailly, it seems unlikely that the defender will be front and centre of any first team plans going forward.
Not only has the central defender struggled to assert himself in defence, but it seems as though the Man Utd manager may be intent on adding to the competition for spaces that is already limiting Bailly’s game time.
Aside from a new striker, it seems as though the Old Trafford side are intent on buying a top-class central defender that can sit alongside Harry Maguire. Which may spell the end of Bailly’s time in Manchester.
