New Manchester United signing Eric Bailly has said that his mind was made up as soon as he heard the Red Devils were interested in signing him.
The 22 year-old has signed a four year contract at Old Trafford in a move worth an estimated £30 million from Villarreal.
The defender becomes Jose Mourinho’s first signing as Manchester United boss and is likely to be the first of many this summer.
The defender is relishing the opportunity and said he didn’t think twice when he heard the Red Devils wanted him.
Speaking to MUTV in his first interview as a United player, Bailly said: “It’s a real joyful moment for me. I’ve always dreamt of playing in English football. When Manchester United was mentioned I didn’t have to think twice. It’s a dream come true.
“I’m really happy I’m in Manchester. As you say, it did take a while to come to fruition, but now the contractual stuff is sorted out, I’m really happy.”
The Ivorian is set to challenge the likes of Chris Smalling for the central defensive position and he believes his style of play will suit the more physical Premier League.
He added: “As you know, it is a different style to Spanish football; it’s more physical and maybe more direct as well. It’s a style of football I’ve always liked.
“I’ve always thought it would suit my style of football as well. I hope that I can get used to it and start to enjoy it over the coming months, years and seasons to come after that.”
United have seemingly failed to stabilise their defence ever since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left the club in 2014.
The Red Devils conceded 35 Premier League goals this season, the joint best record in the division, and yet questions still surround their defensive options.
Firstly, having David de Gea on top form has helped the statistics somewhat flatter Manchester United’s back-line who never looked convincing against quality opposition.
The unlikely pairing of Smalling and Daley Blind was favoured by Louis Van Gaal last season but the duo were helped by a system which seemed frightened to attack.
Mourinho, who promised to rebuild the spine of the team, will hope Bailly can develop into a Manchester United great and sure up their defensive line to make the club competitive in the league once again.
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