According to Manchester United’s official website, Manutd.com, Mourinho expressed his delight after Eric Bailly made the bench for the draw against Everton. Initially feared to be out much longer, Bailly has surprised everyone after returning early. United missed his defensive presence after the new signing quickly adjusted to life in the Premier League after signing for the club in the summer.
Mourinho said,
“We need that,”. “It’s impossible for the same players to play every match and in this moment we are having that because of a lack of available options.
“So to have Eric back is good news, even though it is only for a few weeks because we know he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations very soon, but at least in this busy period of Christmas we have one more option. That’s important.”
Manchester United simply can’t afford to drop more points in the Premier League at least in the next few games if they want to qualify for the Champions League next season. Mourinho’s security-first policy hasn’t gone down well with many sections of the United fans as they want their team to go for more goals than sitting back and protecting their lead. Mourinho simply can’t afford any further setbacks as United face the Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League on Thursday. United need at least a draw to guarantee their progress to the next stage of the Europa League which gives them a chance to qualify for the next season’s Champions League.