Manchester United’s last game against Crystal Palace showed the centre-back fragilities as Lindelof was at fault in at all three of Palace’s goals. Maguire and Lindelof have been heavily criticized by several pundits because of their incompatibility to play together. But with Solskjaer talking with MUTV about the centre-back situation, United might have the solution to their fragilities in the Red Devils squad itself.
Gary Neville has rightly pointed out that “But until they (United) get a centre-back in that can run and defend one on one, you’re never going to win the league. They have to get a mobile, quick, dominant centre-back in alongside Lindelof or Maguire.” Solskjaer has almost always put Maguire and Lindelof on together, even though they don’t compliment each other’s abilities and qualities.
But in his recent interview, Solskjaer also said: “Don’t forget Eric Bailly, I think we’ll see a lot of Eric. He’s looked really strong in training as well.” Eric Bailly is a defender who has all the qualities to play with either Lindelof or Maguire, because of his pace, strength and tackling ability. But Bailly has been injured for most parts of his United career, which is why Solskjaer hasn’t trusted him with a place in the starting XI.
With United centre-back woes and the club reluctant to sign a centre-back this summer, Bailly might feature a lot for the Red Devils this season. Solskjaer will hope that the defender will remain fit for the entire season, as Bailly has the capabilities to become a top defender for his side and ensure that United bounce back from their opening day loss to Crystal Palace in the 37 odd games still left to play for Solskjaer’s men.
