Your guide to United’s new £30m defender

Is his meteoric rise justified?

SOME players do not need much time to convince managers that they are worth the investment and that has been true of Eric Bailly. He was signed by Espanyol after one outstanding performance in a trial game. Ivory Coast made him an ever-present starter in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations campaign after he had played just two friendlies. Then five La Liga games for Espanyol were enough to persuade Villarreal to swoop. Now, 35 matches later, Jose Mourinho wants him at Manchester United.

When did he first come to the fore in Spain?

IN January last year when Villarreal sold Gabriel Paulista to Arsenal for €19million and needed a replacement. They did not put up much of a fight over losing Gabriel because they new they had found the perfect substitute in the £4.4m two-footed centre back who can also play as a full back.

And he had played only five games for Espanyol?

THEy did not want to lose him but they owned only 50 per cent of his rights and as they did not have the money to buy him outright — they have since been taken over by Chinese investors but were struggling at the time — Espanyol had to let him go.

Did he slot straight into Gabriel’s role at Villarreal?

SO much so that he is about to follow him to the Premier League. Villarreal buy young players hoping they can be sold on for a sizeable mark-up but even they are surprised to be losing Bailly so soon.

Did Bailly take time to adapt there?

AT first he was on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations that Ivory Coast won. He had been a late call-up to the squad but started all six games — and scored a penalty — as Ghana were beaten on spot-kicks in the final. Back at Villarreal, coach Marcelino polished the rough diamond.

He has been giving him extra defensive drills ever since and it now falls to Mourinho to complete his education. Bailly has always had pace and a great leap but his positioning has improved thanks to the Villarreal coach. He is not short of confidence but Mourinho will look to curb a tendency to take risks. Still, raw talent is there in abundance.

Is he ready for the Premier League?

HIS lack of experience will be the immediate concern. Bailly is a gifted athlete, a fierce competitor and an exemplary professional. Tactically, he has been playing catch-up because he has such limited top-flight experience in Europe.

He took a late interest in football in his home country and the scouts from Promoesport who spotted him at 15 and brought him over to Espanyol’s youth academy had to watch in frustration as his progress was blighted by bureaucracy. He could not make his Espanyol debut until he was 18 because he did not have the correct paperwork.

He trained and played friendlies until allowed to make his bow with the club’s youth side. He made played just 21 games for them before Espanyol gave him his first-team debut in January 2015 in a 1-1 draw against Villarreal — who signed him five games later.

Bailly was on Barcelona’s list of possible signings this summer, so, barring an unforeseen hitch, this could be a real coup for United.

What is he like off the pitch?

SHy and polite are the words that most often come up when he is discussed at Espanyol and Villarreal. He speaks Spanish well despite having been in Spain for only four years so should perfect his English quickly. He is also bright and Mourinho will have the perfect opportunity to show he can indeed nurture young talent.