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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Eric Bailly is the perfect partner for Harry Maguire - if he can stay fit. Bailly has started United's last four matches in all competitions, with Victor Lindelof missing the last two due to a back problem. The Ivory Coast international has been plagued with injuries during his four-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.
Bailly has not made more than 20 appearances in a season since his first campaign at the club.
But Ferdinand has been impressed by the 26-year-old in recent weeks, with United moving to level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool following Friday's 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
Ferdinand says United need a quick centre-back alongside captain Maguire and believes Bailly can be that man.
However, he says that is dependent on him staying fit.
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Man Utd news: Eric Bailly has struggled with injuries since his 2016 transfer (Image: EXPRESS)
"In the modern game, to have two centre-backs who aren’t electric quick, you’ve got a problem.
"Bailly has good attributes, he’s quick and aggressive. If he can cut the silly mistakes out which he had previously and gets away from injuries and gets a clean bill of health, I think Manchester United are onto a good thing."
Meanwhile, Ferdinand has also admitted he would have loved United to have signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the striker joined Arsenal three years ago.
Aubameyang has been struggling of late and Ferdinand says the Gunners need him back to his best soon.