With defensive frailties all the chatter for the past couple of seasons, a string of dominant performances is evoking memories of Nemanja Vidic for Manchester United supporters around the globe.
For almost eight years, Vidic was the sentinel at the heart of the Manchester United defence. Partnered by Rio Ferdinand, the Serbian exuded his dominance on the Premier League and was awarded the Player of the Season award (and selected in the FIFPRO World XI) on two occasions in 2009 and 2011; more than any defender in Premier League history.
The Serbian international helping to the Red Devils to five individual Premier League titles and a total of 15 pieces of silverware including their 2008 Champions League win- before a string of injuries forced him to move on.
“That’s one of the reasons I left United because I felt I could no longer perform at the level I wanted to perform at, in the league I played in for so many years,” Vidic said after retiring.
I'm speechless. Thanks again for your support. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Very happy about the three points! 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/UYf9wXHVyk
— Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) August 27, 2016
Since the former defender’s departure, United have struggled to find a centre-back of the same calibre. In the very same year that Vidic and Ferdinand departed, Manchester United spent a combined £63 million on Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw, while Tyler Blackett and Patrick McNair were promoted to the first team.
These new faces, in addition to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, have struggled to satisfy the defensive prowess that Manchester United fans have been conditioned to expect. However, Bailly is, at this early stage, satisfying that craving.
While comparisons with Vidic are perhaps immature, the truth of the matter is that Eric Bailly is forcing the hand of sports writers the world over, with a remarkable three man-of-the-match performances in four competitive fixtures thus far.
What’s more is his performances against Leicester City, AFC Bournemouth and Hull City are seeing the Ivorian wrestle the praise away from the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba – no mean feat.
Bailly is a physically imposing player with aerial authority with pace to burn. Although he is prone to a rash tackle on occasion, this ‘raw’ talent has spectators in a frenzy.
Upon the announcement of the Ivorian’s arrival, Jose Mourinho, speaking to the club’s official website was quick to comment on his satisfaction with his first acquisition as United’s boss, saying: “Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around…We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential- Eric is at the right club to continue his development.”
Winners!🏆 First title as a Red Devil!! 🔴 Thank you for the Man of the Match. 🙏🏾 This is a very happy day!! 😄 pic.twitter.com/yAA04KEIFr
— Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) August 7, 2016
Bailly sharing his manager’s enthusiasm when he declared his intentions to succeed during his time at Manchester United.
“I hope to progress as a player and I hope that includes winning trophies as well.”
With his eye’s firmly set on accolades, early signs appear promising. Bailly is a shoe-in for Manchester United’s Player of the Month for August and has his sights on a far more challenging goal, a Premier League winners medal.
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