Over the weekend, reports emerged from Spain that Manchester United were close to completing the transfer of Ivorian defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal.
Prior to this, very little was known about the 22 year old centre back, especially among the British section of the Manchester United fans.
Since his arrival, there had been news that José Mourinho may be preparing for a major overhaul of the current United side, as only few players fit into the Portuguese's philosophy.
Bailly is a defender. Let's take a look at Manchester United's stats last season.
- United conceded the least amount of goals in the League (35), same as Tottenham Hotspur.
Alongside Tottenham, United have the best average goal conceded per match ratio: 0.92.
- United kept the most clean sheets in the League (18), same with Arsenal.
- United conceded the least goal at home in the League last season. Just nine goals in 19 matches.
- United have the ninth best defensive away record in the League, conceding 28, goals. Eight teams conceded less in their travels.
From the stats above, United currently have a promising defence.
Redlyunited looks at three things Bailly arrival at Old Trafford can cause.
1. Daley Blind's future as a defender under question
Immediately Mourinho was confirmed as United manager, rumours started surfacing that the Portuguese would sell the Dutchman as he doesn't see him as his ideal defender.
The pursuit and signing of Eric maybe the first pointer to this rumored fact.
Most of Mourinho's defenders are typically strong with huge physical presence.
Chris Smalling would most likely be his preferred first choice centre back. And with a new signing worth €40m, you can bet he'll be top in Mourinho's priority at centre back.
Bailly will most likely dislodge Blind as Smalling's first choice partner.
For the stats: Daley Blind and Chris Smalling played 55 games for United each last season. Both missed only four games each throughout last season. Read more on that here.
2. United may forget signing John Stones
Jose Mourinho seem to have personal affinity for the Everton man.
He tried signing the 20 year old during his second spell at Chelsea, and have reportedly continue his pursuit of the defender at United.
United will have to cough out over £30m to land the Englishman, but with a move for Bailly almost done and dusted, that may signal the end to the Stone's chase.
It's almost impossible for Mourinho to sign two new centre defenders for about £60m. Bailly's arrival at Old Trafford means stones arrival door at least for now is shut.
3. Smalling have to start the understanding game again
Top centre back pairings are not something that just happen, though there few cases of such.
Top defensive partnerships are built on hours of training and practice, a number of matches for the developing Chemistry to be tested, and time for everything to be perfected.
Smalling and Blind were developing a of top defensive partnership last season.
Next season could have been much more of a cementing and one that would strengthen the union more. But with Bailly's anticipated arrival, United may have to restart from the scratch, in building a new defensive shape, lineup, personalities and understanding.
It may be a change United fans don't want, it would be one worth watching, especially with José in charge.
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