The former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder’s manager was delighted with his display, too, lauding him as a “top-class player” whom he considers invaluable to his Old Trafford project being a success.
Advertisement
Although Bailly had only played 40 La Liga games before signing for United, Mourinho said the Ivory Coast worldwide has the potential to be a world-beater in his position.
Ranieri also believes his countryman Antonio Conte and the Blues are bound to like each other: “They must get to know each other well and prevent the inevitable culture clashes from confusing them. We have three games coming up and that’s the focus at the moment”.
He added: I want to show the manager, to show the people around the club, to show the players that I can help this season.
New signings Eric Bailly and Henrik Mkhitaryan are included after making their debuts in the friendly against Wigan Athletic on Saturday 16 July, but there is no place for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That could change if rumours that Mourinho is out looking for a central defender are true.
Right-back is up for grabs.
If Mourinho sticks to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, then the “2” there, has a massive “for rent” signboard on it.
Would you like to see Mata work with Mourinho at United this season? Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin is rumoured to be on the way out. We know from past year at Dortmund alone what he can achieve in terms of scoring goals, creativity and assists.
James Wilson was overlooked following a forlorn 45 minutes in the friendly victory at Wigan.
Of course, Mourinho will be hoping the signature of Paul Pogba can be secured before United return to home soil.
Advertisement
“It is nice to feel welcome and that they are behind the team”, said Mourinho.
