Defensive battle for starting spot is a positive, says Bailly

ERIC Bailly insists the battle for a starting place at the heart of United’s defence ‘creates a positive spirit and helps the team’.

The Ivory Coast international has again been an ever-present at centre-back under Jose Mourinho and has started seven games so far this season.

Despite intense competition from both Chris Smalling and new signing Victor Lindelof, Bailly and Phil Jones have been United’s first-choice defensive partnership after conceding just two goals together.

And, with Marcos Rojo edging closer to a return to first-team action in 2017, Bailly believes that rivalry is bringing the best out the club’s defence.

“Of course, I think it’s very crucial.

“It’s very important too for us young players in order not to relax,” he said.

“We have to keep on working because at any given moment the others might see their chance and take it.

“It’s good competition, it creates a positive spirit and helps the team – that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Bailly played alongside Smalling and Lindelof in a new-look three-man defence in United’s impressive 4-1 win against CSKA Moscow last month.

And the 23-year-old believes he has a good relationship with all of his prospective defensive partners – even if he has mainly played with Jones of late, who looks to be fit again for this weekend’s clash at Anfield.

“It’s good, there’s a good relationship between Phil and me, and with the other two defenders, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling, even though we’ve not had the chance to play together yet,” he added.