Eric Bailly urges Manchester United not to underestimate Benfica in Champions League: 'We have to be cautious and get our fourth win'

  • Manchester United host Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night
  • United can progress to knockouts if they better CSKA's result against Basel
  • United inflicted a third straight Group A defeat on Benfica in Lisbon last time out
  • Eric Bailly also offered his support to United team-mate Romelu Lukaku 

Eric Bailly has warned Manchester United that Benfica will not simply ‘roll over’ when the two clubs meet again in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

United inflicted a third straight Group A defeat on the Portuguese club in Lisbon a fortnight ago and can clinch a place in the knockout stage if they better CSKA’s result against Basel.

But Bailly believes that Jose Mourinho’s side should not underestimate their opponents, saying: ‘For me, they are a good team. The bad thing for them is they’re not in such a good moment but that doesn’t mean they’ll just roll over for us tomorrow. We have to be cautious and get our fourth win.

Eric Bailly believes Manchester United should not underestimate Benfica on Tuesday night

Eric Bailly believes Manchester United should not underestimate Benfica on Tuesday night

Jose Mourinho's side beat Benfica 1-0 last time out in the Champions League a fortnight ago

Jose Mourinho's side beat Benfica 1-0 last time out in the Champions League a fortnight ago

United have got off to the perfect start in their group, winning their first three matches

United have got off to the perfect start in their group, winning their first three matches

‘It’s something very important. First that we win. It’s an important game, this is our fourth in the Champions League and it’s at home, and since we started we’ve not lost a single game at home. 


'This is important for your confidence. I hope tomorrow’s game everything goes well and we win and qualify.’

The Ivory Coast defender also offered his support to Romelu Lukaku whose performances have come under scrutiny in recent weeks after a run of five games without a goal.

Bailly added: ‘I think, like many people, that Romelu is a great forward. I’ve played against him and now have the fortune to be playing with him. He is very important for us. Everybody can see everything is going well for him and I hope he can continue this scoring run and helping the team as he has been doing.’

Romelu Lukaku has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after a barren run in front of goal

Romelu Lukaku has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after a barren run in front of goal

Bailly offered his support to United team-mate Lukaku, calling him a 'great forward' 

Bailly offered his support to United team-mate Lukaku, calling him a 'great forward'