The Ivory Coast international had a solid defensive performance, with the Red Devils extending their league unbeaten run to 10 games on Friday
Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises Eric Bailly after his defensive contribution helped the Red Devils win 2-1 at Aston Villa on New Year’s Day.
Bailly kicked substitute Keinan Davis in the closing moments to help Manchester United seal the three points, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the winning goal after Bertrand Traore of Burkina Faso overturned Anthony Martial’s first goal.
The defender was the one who got the most releases (six) and one more interception at Old Trafford on Friday, and was surrounded by his teammates at the end of the game, who applauded him for his crucial block.
Solskjaer, in his reaction, revealed that the 26-year-old defender, who has made his debut in the last three Premier League games, deserves the ovation he is receiving.
“You can see today that his physicality, his pace and his bravery are unmatched,” Solskjaer was quoted by Manchester Evening News. “He has a style of play that has hurt him a few times and probably muscle fibers have also caused him.
“You can see how much that means to him, but also to the rest of the boys at the end of the game, because he is a very dear player and a man in the locker room.
“Everyone wants him to get along and they know the struggles he faced and we are very happy for him.”
Since the 1-0 loss to Arsenal in November, Manchester United are unbeaten in the English top flight and are now tied with 33 points with leaders Liverpool after 16 games.
Solskjaer described how his team survived the nervous ending, highlighting the impact of David de Gea and Bailly.
“So, in the end, David [de Gea] makes a good save and Eric makes a fantastic block and we saw it one way or another, ”added the Norwegian coach. “Sometimes you have to find a way to win.
“We could have managed the last 10 minutes better, but we crossed the line.
“I am very happy with the position we are in. It is such a big difference, if you look 12 months ago. You miss the chance to be there or there in the first 10 games, you cannot miss the chance to be in the race by the title. ”