Bailly Warmed By Vidic Praise

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has reacted to high praise from the club's legendary former captain Nemanja Vidic, telling us the Serbian's words "bring warmth to my heart".

Vidic enjoyed eight trophy-laden seasons at Old Trafford and, now retired, is enjoying his new role as a club ambassador. During a recent interview with MUTV in New York to promote Tour 2017, presented by Aon, Nemanja tipped his fellow centre-back Bailly for a bright, successful future with the Reds.

"I like Eric’s aggression," Vida told us. "It is important for a defender. He is young but confident on the ball. Sometimes he gives away some chances but I think it is important to have courage to play at the back. He still has space to improve and he is at a great club where he has all the tools to improve so I believe he is going to be here at the club for many years and hopefully help the club to win trophies."

We felt Bailly deserved to hear such praise and duly showed him footage of Vidic's interview, before gathering his immediate reaction. Eric, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, was clearly humbled.

"It gives me great pleasure to hear that a legend such as Nemanja Vidic is talking like this about it me, it brought warmth to my heart," he said. "He says he likes me but also gives me advice to work hard.

"As he says, I'm young, I'm at a great club and therefore must continue to work hard to improve, as there are lots of things for me to learn. It's possible for me to help the team and have a great future here in Manchester."