Bailly plays down injury fears to Man United fans

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has played down fears of an injury in a message to fans, after he was substituted against Burnley on Thursday night.

The Ivory Coast international was recalled to the starting XI for United’s Premier League match at Old Trafford as Ralf Rangnick made six changes to the team.

Midway through the second half, after going to ground, Bailly was quickly replaced by substitute Raphael Varane and it appeared he may have been injured.

However, in a video for our supporters, the no.3 plays down talk of a setback ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Thank you to all of the fans for the support tonight,” says Eric. “It was a good victory. I am good, I am good, just tired. A good win to finish the year.”

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Speaking in the post-match press conference, Rangnick revealed Bailly had already left United for the upcoming tournament in Cameroon but helpfully returned when Victor Lindelof tested positive for COVID-19.

“Eric had already left, actually, three or four days ago for the Africa Cup of Nations, but he was still in Spain and we asked him to come back,” said the German to reporters.

“I think he did well, apart from the mistake for the goal we conceded, so I think it was a very good performance from Eric. It was very concentrated and very focused.”