Bailly: Mourinho Is A Father Figure

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has described Jose Mourinho as a father figure as he aims to build on his sensational start to life at Old Trafford by helping the Reds beat Manchester City in Saturday's derby.

The summer signing from Villarreal has adapted surprisingly quickly to life in the Premier League and has clearly won the hearts of the fans, winning the club's Player of the Month award for August with a series of commanding displays at centre-back.

Reds boss Mourinho has clearly made a big impression on the 22-year-old and will have a major impact on his burgeoning career.

"Jose has taken me under his wing, almost like a son, as he does with other players as well," Bailly told United Review, the official matchday programme, in an exclusive interview.

"It’s a pleasure to be here, working with him and learning from him and I have to take advantage over the course of the years from all his experience. I am very lucky to have that chance and my future time here is going to be a great footballing experience."

Bailly has the African Cup of Nations finals to look forward to in January 2017 after a 1-1 draw with Sierra Leone secured Ivory Coast's place in the tournament in Gabon. Manchester City's Yaya Toure has been named African Player of the Year four times and United's new defensive rock admits it is an ambition of his to scoop the award.

"Of course [it is]," he said. "You should always have to aim high and it all comes down to the amount of work you put in and the rewards you get back for that. I hope I can do this in the African Cup of Nations."