It sounds to me like our other defensive targets are either too expensive, not for sale or destined for other clubs and so we've gone for choice C or D. He will have to improve on his discipline and passing, the latter a concern if he is replacing Blind, which he presumably is as I can't see us signing two central defenders. Looking at his profile it seems he might becomd more of a Stam kind of defender.
Eric Bailly | BBC say signing is imminent
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) was joined by comedian Ali Woods to look back at the best and worst moments of a rollercoaster season with the annual United Hour Awards.
Has Ten Hag been sacked yet? We're not sure and we hope not, but it's looking more likely as the days pass.
Who should replace him and why is it taking so long to make a decision?
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A CB signing..Yay! How I have waited for this for three years.
Only seen him in the game against Liverpool and he was alright. I hope he is a top player.
One done, one to go. I hope we sign one of Stones and Varane now.
Only seen him in the game against Liverpool and he was alright. I hope he is a top player.
One done, one to go. I hope we sign one of Stones and Varane now.
Assuming we do buy this fellow, whether we bring in another defender really just depends on who is going to be sold. Although I rate him as a squad player, I don't think there's any chance at all that Mourinho plays Blind as a centre back next season. He could possibly be moved on. Similarly, I doubt Jose will have seen much from Rojo that will have inspired confidence. He too could go. Shaw is coming off a very serious injury, and there's no telling how long it will take him to get back to top form. It would be fairly logical for Jose to bring in two defenders.
Does anyone else not think he is being signed to play Right back and that we might still be looking for a CB?
Bailly - Smalling - Manolas - Shaw
That is a pretty strong, athletic and fast back line!
Bailly - Smalling - Manolas - Shaw
That is a pretty strong, athletic and fast back line!
Agree with previous suggestions of him being our first choice right-back at the start of next season. Bailly's a bit raw and frantic (for lack of a better word) as a central defender right now; and his biggest flaws include positioning (which is why he often runs around to recover from a lapse in judgement), committing to the tackle too early (ball watching), and natural defensive awareness - most of which can be bothersome if he's playing in the heart of defense, and can be ironed out only with more experience. Him and Smalling would be an odd pairing in that they same the same kind of strengths - predicated on speed and natural athleticism, but also the same kind of weakness, because although Smalling has come up by leaps and bounds over the last 10 months, he's still not a natural organizer/ leader of the backline, or a composed presence on the ball from deep. Ideally - you'd like to have a good complementary set of features between your central defensive duo, with one being an astute reader of the game, and the other the 'muscle' to thwart more physical attackers.
But as the right-back, his ability to run with the ball, slide tackle, and be a quick outlet will come in handy vs wide attackers, and he'll increase the overall stature of the back four (which will be of great help against the more imposing Premier League teams). Plus, José has shown a tendency to field more balanced defenders on the right flank in recent seasons (Ivanović at Chelsea, Arbeloa at Real) - so Bailey might be in line with that. Put a hard working winger ahead of him, and the flank would be very well balanced, and help shut down one half of the opposition's wide attack - another feature of José's teams where one side of the field is more attacking than the other (like Di María, Arbeloa vs Ronaldo, Marcelo). With Martial and Shaw on the other side, having Bailly on the right would make a lot of sense.
Limited highlights, but this was one of his best games from last season (vs Real Madrid as a right-back when Villarreal won 1-0 at the Madrigal):
Played a big role in keeping Ronaldo at bay.
But as the right-back, his ability to run with the ball, slide tackle, and be a quick outlet will come in handy vs wide attackers, and he'll increase the overall stature of the back four (which will be of great help against the more imposing Premier League teams). Plus, José has shown a tendency to field more balanced defenders on the right flank in recent seasons (Ivanović at Chelsea, Arbeloa at Real) - so Bailey might be in line with that. Put a hard working winger ahead of him, and the flank would be very well balanced, and help shut down one half of the opposition's wide attack - another feature of José's teams where one side of the field is more attacking than the other (like Di María, Arbeloa vs Ronaldo, Marcelo). With Martial and Shaw on the other side, having Bailly on the right would make a lot of sense.
Limited highlights, but this was one of his best games from last season (vs Real Madrid as a right-back when Villarreal won 1-0 at the Madrigal):
Played a big role in keeping Ronaldo at bay.
This wouldn't surprise me at all. Especially in his first season in the PL. It'll help him further develop his passing and team play, and he's got the pace and engine to get up and down the flank like nobody's business. Then again, I've only been scouting him since this morning.
Mourinho playing him at RB makes a lot of sense if we play a form of 433. Martial as a left wing forward and someone new/Rashford on the right. He and and Shaw are two very athletic FBs who can cover a lot of ground defensively and support adequately in attack. Basically what Valencia would do as our RB but at least Bailly is actually a defender to begin with.
Smalling, Bailly, Blind, Jones, McNair, TFM?, Rojo? Blackett...and Carrick?
If one of Smalling or Bailly is out long-term, I don't like our options, rather thin in CB position. Not even sure if Blind is a Mourinho-type CB.
If one of Smalling or Bailly is out long-term, I don't like our options, rather thin in CB position. Not even sure if Blind is a Mourinho-type CB.
Two things if we sign him
1) Plan during african cup of nations
2) Looks like a penalty waiting to happen.
1) Plan during african cup of nations
2) Looks like a penalty waiting to happen.
Can he cross though? Make overlapping runs? I wouldn't want someone as offensively ineffective as Darmian there.
It's just surprising that out of the thousands of posters on here, with a dedicated transfer forum, nobody considered him, there seems to be many on board with the idea now though.So you rate the caf's scouting knowledge on cbs higher than Jose Mourinhos?
Martial was similarly unknown to many when he signed. Nobody would've put him in their wishlist.
Not 100% sold on his crossing right now (limited sample size, because on the occasions he did play as a rightback - Villarreal played a more calculated game), but he makes good runs from the deep when he has some room ahead of him on the overlap, and has plenty of pace (so getting forward shouldn't be a problem). And the thing with crossing is - that ability can be polished to a good standard over time if you work on the fundamentals and technique (which is something Gary Neville did). So the transition to full-time rightback shouldn't be too hard for him if that's what Mourinho intends on doing and coaches him up, IMO. The permanent move to rightback stuff is fairly speculative mind, for all we know he could stick to his usual centerback role at United.
I'm not underestimating it at all, I said it's an inconvenience to the clubs, and I factored in the time they have for preparation too.
Despite it being an inconvenience to City, I'm sure Toure & Bony loved winning an international tournament representing their country, in their home continent much more than playing games against Stoke, Southampton, Swansea etc.
They don't go against their will. Every African player can drop out of selection if they wish (See: Essien) Instead the players love representing their country, with a chance to win the tournament then celebrate as they have every right to. And why should they not?
Like I said the games missed aren't CL, aren't FA Cup, and they aren't at a pivotal time in the title race.
I just watched a few compilations, and he looks like a very aggressive, physical player, but with limited ability on the ball.
Of course a youtube video is hardly the best way to assess a player, but am I somewhat correct in assuming that or am I way wide of the mark?
Of course a youtube video is hardly the best way to assess a player, but am I somewhat correct in assuming that or am I way wide of the mark?
I know what you meant. I just genuinely think his name is rubbish.
Disagree on crossing. One of those skills you either pick up quickly as a youngster or you can't really become a good crosser.
You can improve the crossing technique but the art of picking a man out, anticipation of movement in the box and then finding the right cross for the situation unfolding is a complex skill which most defenders lack. In modern football there aren't many good crossers of the ball because coaches don't prioritise it any more during youth football.
Hopefully he has good fundamentals in place in terms of spotting runs etc and a basic level of crossing.. which hopefully will put him in good stead to develop into a good crosser.
I think this will more likely mean we'll see some U21s defenders being used since you simply can't hope for Jones to get fit.
Bailly seems to have a profile of a potential top defender.I hope Mourinho has had enough of Rojo/Jones.
No I got the same impression from the video myself. He seems a no nonsense defender, kinda like Vidic. His ball control looks average, think he had about 20 seconds on the ball to pick his forward out with no pressure and over hit it by a mile. Not the only example but the one that stood out. Only positive from that was that at least he tried it, good coaching could help eradicate that and make him a better all round player.
Few comments about him being our RB, cant see it to be honest. Unless his ball control improves drastically then I wouldn't want him as a RB. Would rather Valencia played and kept trying to break opponents shins with crosses.
Yep absolutely no difference between a back up defender for £3m signed from Nantes who did not even impress in the bottom half of Ligue 1 and a £30m defender who stood out in one of the best (and tightest defensively) teams in the best league in the world.
I've seen him a fair few times and he certainly looks a Mourinho style defender. Very strong and doesn't lack for pace.
I wouldn't say he's a particularly good passer or very efficient on the ball though, although I'd say he's slightly better than Smalling. So playing the two of them would really make it difficult to play it out from the back.
I wouldn't say he's a particularly good passer or very efficient on the ball though, although I'd say he's slightly better than Smalling. So playing the two of them would really make it difficult to play it out from the back.
He's surely just going to be a bonus for our main defensive purchase, which will hopefully be Manolas or Stones.
RB - Darmain, Valencia,
CB- Smalling, Manolas/Stones, Bailly, TFM, + Jones if can somehow get fit.
LB - Shaw, CBJ.
Rojo, Blind sold.
Not too shabby if we get to this point.
RB - Darmain, Valencia,
CB- Smalling, Manolas/Stones, Bailly, TFM, + Jones if can somehow get fit.
LB - Shaw, CBJ.
Rojo, Blind sold.
Not too shabby if we get to this point.
I have a feeling that Bailly will be played as RB. Mou loves to have 3 CBs in a 4 men defense with one playing as converted fullback. That should add inches and physicality to defense and also allow the other fullbacks more licence to go upfront.
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I don't care if his passing is average, can he head the ball, can he bully strikers, can he time a tackle, is his positioning good, has he got enough pace to recover if he gets turned?
These are the important skills for a defender, not whether he can ping a 50 yard ball into a basket ball hoop with both feet.
So long as he can pass it the 20 yards or so to his midfielder, fullback or winger, and more often than not hit a quick ball over the top, that's all that matters.
These are the important skills for a defender, not whether he can ping a 50 yard ball into a basket ball hoop with both feet.
So long as he can pass it the 20 yards or so to his midfielder, fullback or winger, and more often than not hit a quick ball over the top, that's all that matters.
We haven't signed him we are in talks as are some other sides
I agree that the basics are important and perhaps slightly undervalued for a defender in today's game.
But for a top side that'll spend much, much more time on the ball than without it, the ability to pass the ball well is a really important skill for a CB. They're starting every attack and if they can't keep the ball, you're putting yourself under pressure and making it hard to break teams down.
Two Smalling's at CB=a bad idea IMO, for instance. Now, Bailly IMO is slightly more comfortable a passer, but he's not great.
That's fair enough, tbh I don't know alot about him, but the fact we will still be yet to sign our main CB target should this guy come in was my main point.
Giggs and Neville both improved immensely in the duration of their respective careers. Think you are over complicating it to be honest. Normally you get to the byeline or wide and 1. Miss the first man
2. Pick a man out
3. Or hit an area
Depending who you play with (player wise) you learn what they prefer and match up.
But I've played with players who tell me to either hang it up at the back post or low hard in no mans land and they'll try and get across the keeper.
Don't know why you don't think this cannot be improved on? Like most skills in football practice makes them better.
I believe that the next CB target would be Manolas. However Mou isn't the type of not having plan Bs or Cs. If Roma demands ridiculous money for him he'll move to another target
I want TFM in midfield so hopefully Jose takes a liking to Tuanzebe and uses him in defence thereby freeing up TFM for midfield duties. I suspect that Bailly is being signed to play right back, Mourinho loves a converted CB to play at right back.
If signed, I don't see why we would play him right back, he doesn't look to have the ability on the ball required.
I agree with those saying he might not be our only CB signing. I think Mourinho will look to build effectively a first and second XI, one for the league and one for the Europa and Carling cups.
I agree with those saying he might not be our only CB signing. I think Mourinho will look to build effectively a first and second XI, one for the league and one for the Europa and Carling cups.
It's rumored that he was also wanted by Barcelona AND Guardiola, if that's the case then it's hard to think that his passing will be average for a defender. It's hard to judge this sort of stuff on a YouTube videos.
Haven't seen him play at all apart from the Liverpool first leg where he was very good.
It's funny that out of all the names linked to us, he's the one the appears to be the closest and there was nothing in the Spanish or English media until the deal went at an advanced stage, similar to the Marital deal really.
Haven't seen him play at all apart from the Liverpool first leg where he was very good.
It's funny that out of all the names linked to us, he's the one the appears to be the closest and there was nothing in the Spanish or English media until the deal went at an advanced stage, similar to the Marital deal really.
Jose loves having a big Ivorian in his team!
Had many people heard of Vidic when we signed him? Not saying he'll be another Nemanja, I know nothing about Bailly, but it would be a welcome surprise.
Had many people heard of Vidic when we signed him? Not saying he'll be another Nemanja, I know nothing about Bailly, but it would be a welcome surprise.
Would like Manolas, him and Smalling would be formidable barrier, and he is surely far more likely than Varane or Marquinhos, but wouldn't be a shock if we go all out for Stones, Jose is obviously a fan.
Yes, fair enough. You make a valid point wrt crossing being a complex skill where anticipation of runs plays a big part, and you have to be precise - but I do think repetitive training can lead to progressive improvements over time. And not just technique, but with the coaches in film rooms - where you can grasp the details from afar, try to deconstruct what happened, and then try to replicate that on the field. A bit like when our players claimed they knew exactly where to be, and what to do in certain situations because René drilled them repeatedly in terms of mechanics, and positioning. Agree with the last line too. If the basics are there, it will be easier to build Bailly up to a good level.
I think he probably did move for Manolas and that Bailly is the plan D (after Stones, Marquinous?, Manolas).
English Media are clueless to our signings, been like that for the last couple of seasons. What contacts they had are gone.
It can be improved, but not much in one season. He won't be an improvement on our current right backs within the next 2 years. He's most likely our new CB, but able to play as full back in injury crisis situations.
Plan D? you came to that conclusion based on Daily Mail I presume.
That's less to do with passing ability and more concentration imo. Smalling just switches off at points which is where he causes us trouble.
If this guy can do the basics of playing it out from defence then that's enough. I think we'll play with a midfielder who'll demand the ball from the defenders sooner anyway so they won't see half as much if the ball.
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