Some good news for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Eric Bailly reportedly closing in on a return to action for Man Utd.
That’s according to Rob Dawson of ESPN, and it’s timely given United have the busy Christmas period coming up after the international break.
However, it is unlikely that Bailly will be back playing on the pitch before the new year after damaging knee ligaments during a pre-season friendly against Tottenham in Shanghai.
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The Ivorian will be a free agent in the summer if United do not trigger a two-year extension option, which they should given his characteristics could match Harry Maguire as a defensive partner.
Bailly’s form in 2016 — his first season at the club — was exceptional but he’s gone backwards since then. His pace would compliment Maguire nicely and it’s something I want to see tested between now and May.
Solskjaer would be daft not to try the pair in a couple of fixtures when the Ivory Coast international returns to full fitness.
It’s positive that he is now able to walk without the use of crutches and is targeting a return to light training after the international break.
A win over Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday moved United up to seventh in the table, nine points off the top four.
