Manchester United have faced some uncertainties in the centre-back position this summer, with Erik ten Hag’s four senior players in the position experiencing a contrasting season.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been the Dutchman’s first choice this season, but both players have recently suffered serious injuries and the former has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been partners of choice for many years, mainly under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. But the duo were relegated to the bench by Ten Hag.
As things stand, it is highly unlikely that both Maguire and Lindelof will remain at the club this summer, but reports say another senior centre-back will now return.
According to journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Eric Bailly will return to the club following the end of his season loan to French giants Marseille.
According to the report, Marseille had the option of signing Bailly permanently once his initial season’s contract expired, but the Ligue 1 powerhouse decided against exercising the option.
Instead, Bailly is expected to return to Carrington before being put on the market by the Reds, who are ready to let him go.
Bailly still has a year left on his contract at United and that could mean it’s a lot easier to find a suitor than before, as Ten Hag doesn’t seem interested in keeping him after using him in pre-season last year.
Bailly’s fierce battle with injuries undoubtedly hurt his chances of making a name for himself at Old Trafford, but in the end, it just wasn’t meant for the Ivorian.
