Ahead of today’s blockbuster Manchester Derby, United defender Eric Bailly admitted that he was once all set suit up for the opposite team. Yes, the young center back, then with Villareal, was going through the motions to potentially join Manchester City when Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho called and swooped in.
The Daily Mirror has the scoop, writing that Bailly, who was also being pursued by Barcelona at the time, thought that the Mourinho call was a prank.
“I was in the Ivory Coast, I got called from a Portuguese number, he introduced himself but I just didn’t believe it at first,” smiled Bailly.
“Before I came to Man United, it was City who had been watching me. In my mind, I was going there. But then everything changed.”
“It felt like Mourinho was the one who really wanted me. He showed more interest, he rang me and that’s why I’m at Man United.
“Man City contacted my agent, Barcelona as well were talking to my agent, but they weren’t as interested in me as Mourinho. He really pushed for the move.
“Of course the club is important when you sign, but the manager is so important. If a player feels like the manager wants you, wants to sign you, it gives you extra motivation.”
Eric Bailly would go on to become Mourinho’s first signing with United, penning a £30 million deal. He’s been a key player for United this season, making his presence felt regularly in the Red Devils first team. In a back line that’s been ravaged by injury, Bailly has been a reliable anchor for them.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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