Eric Bailly has been confirmed as Jose Mourinho’s first Manchester United signing after the Villarreal defender passed his medical at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old, who has only played 40 top-flight matches in his fledgling career, joins on a four-year deal subject to obtaining a work permit and cost United a fee of £30million.
Speaking to the club’s official website after the move was confirmed, Bailly said: ‘It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.
‘I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.’
The Ivory Coast international had previously been watched by Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but opted for Old Trafford and Mourinho this summer.
The Portuguese manager also had his say on the new defender, noting: ‘Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.
Welcome to Manchester United, @EricBailly24! #BaillyIsRed pic.twitter.com/IBi3dMQIZS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 8, 2016
Say hello to our new signing, @EricBailly24! #BaillyIsRed https://t.co/uCNv5rqG7p
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 8, 2016
