Bailly's First Interview At United

Eric Bailly spoke exclusively to MUTV about his pride and delight at joining Manchester United, immediately after completing his transfer from Villarreal CF on Wednesday afternoon.

Subject to obtaining a work permit, the Ivory Coast international will become the fifth African international player to represent the Reds. The first signing under new manager Jose Mourinho, he could make his first appearance when United face German side Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on 22 July as part of Tour 2016, presented by Aon.

Bailly sat down with MUTV to discuss his arrival and what the future has in store for him at Old Trafford.

Welcome to Manchester United, Eric. How does that sound?
Firstly, thanks very much for the welcome. I'm really happy to be here at the biggest club in the world. It's a dream come true for me. I'm very happy to be here in Manchester.

Now you have the badge on your chest, it must feel very special for you?
It’s a real joyful moment for me. I’ve always dreamt of playing in English football. When Manchester United was mentioned I didn’t have to think twice. It’s a dream come true. I’m really happy I’m in Manchester. As you say, it did take a while to come to fruition, but now the contractual stuff is sorted out, I’m really happy.

What do you make of the style of English football and how will it suit you?
As you know, it is a different style to Spanish football; it’s more physical and maybe more direct as well. It’s a style of football I’ve always liked. I’ve always thought it would suit my style of football as well. I hope that I can get used to it and start to enjoy it over the coming months, years and seasons to come after that.

It must feel like a whirlwind for you, given the way your career has taken off?
Things have moved on pretty quickly career-wise but that improvement has been down to a lot of hard work that I’ve put in as an individual and with the team I’ve played for. It has been fast progress and development but I still feel I’m young. I need to develop even more and I hope to progress now I’m at this massive club. I think with working even harder I hope to progress as a player and I hope that involves winning trophies as well.

You must hope to settle into the squad very quickly?
I think it’s very important that I settle in quickly. I hope that with the coaching staff and the help of my team-mates that this process will be as quick as possible. It’s important to pick up the dynamic and the tempo of the football here as soon as the season starts. And as I say, hopefully with the help of everyone here I can do that quickly.

You are the first signing of Jose Mourinho – that must be exciting?
It is really very special. First and foremost as a young player it’s a real confidence boost that a manager with so much experience of English football has trusted in me by making me his first signing. Again it’s all about that settling-in period, hoping that I evolve and progress as a player as quickly as possible to get up to speed in the English league.

Finally, do you have a message for the Manchester United fans around the world?
My message to the fans would be thank you for the great welcome so far. I’ve noticed a positive reaction on social media and people are pleased to see me here. Being a young player arriving at a big club is great; it’s something that really helps me on the way. In return I hope to put a smile on the faces of Manchester United fans with my style of play and what I achieve at the club.