Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Eric Bailly reveals what he really likes about Jose Mourinho
ERIC BAILLY believes Jose Mourinho is like no other manager he as played under.
Insider claims Manchester United can't build a team around Griezmann
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho signed Bailly last summer from Villarreal in a £30million deal.
The Ivory Coast international had come up through Espanyol's youth ranks before moving to Villarreal in January 2015.
He has made 19 appearances for United this season, with his development slightly hindered by a month-long injury absence in November.
I’m such a young player and I’ve managed to fight my way into the side
He has now returned to the United first XI after representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations last month.
And Bailly said ahead of tomorrow's Europa League clash with St Etienne that he is delighted to have Mourinho as his manager.
“What I’ve found different to other managers is the time he takes to spend time with you individually," Bailly said to the Portuguese boss.
"He looks at situations in games that happened and takes time to talk through stuff, it’s something that’s been really helpful for me.
"I think it’s something which really helps me and his experience has been passed onto me.”
Eric Bailly and Jose Mourinho (left) both joined Manchester United last summer
Bailly (centre) says he has settled in well under Mourinho at Man Utd
Bailly could start for Manchester United against St Etienne tomorrow
Bailly and Mourinho were not the only new arrival at United last summer, with three other players and six staff members coming into the club.
And the 22-year-old admits he didn't expect United to gel as quickly as they have done.
“I’m surprised I got in the team so quickly but I’m really grateful for the backroom staff, the coaches and the fitness coaches, they’ve really helped me settle in, which has gone relatively smoothly," he added.
“I’m such a young player and I’ve managed to fight my way into the side and get the respect of the older players at the club.”
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?