Manchester United defender Eric Bailly gives Garth Crooks the ‘willies’

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly gives former striker Garth Crooks the ‘willies’.

The Ivory Coast international has enjoyed a strong start to the new season, playing a role in the Red Devils’ exceptional start to the season.

At the weekend he marshalled Manchester United’s defence while also scoring the opening goal in an impressive 4-0 win over Swansea.

It was enough to earn him a place in the BBC team of the week, which is selected by ex-Manchester United player Crooks.

But while deemed worthy of a place in the side, Crooks explained that he has some reservations about Bailly.

‘I want to like this player, but he always gives me the “willies”,’ he told the BBC.

‘Eric Bailly, on his day, is a class act – a point clearly demonstrated against Swansea – but why does he give me a sense of nervous apprehension every time he plays?

‘I can’t help feeling he’s a tackle away from a red card or giving a penalty away. Against the likes of Swansea he will be fine, but it’s in the big games, when it really matters, that I find myself asking the question: can he be trusted?’

Bailly joined Manchester United last summer and quickly established himself as the first-choice centre-back. But while it was a mostly impressive campaign, he managed to pick up two red cards during the club’s run to Europa League glory.

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