Eric Bailly Extends Contract With Man United Until June 2024.

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has signed a contract extension with the club.

The Ivorian international previous contract was due to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season, but puts pen-to-paper today at the Aon Training Complex to extend his contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2024, with the option of a further year. 

Despite having struggled for starts this season due to re-occurring injuries, his representatives have been alerted to interest from other Spanish and Italian clubs, but the 27-year-old chooses to remain at Theatre of Dream. 

He has made only 15 appearances for United this season behind first-choice pairing Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire when fully fit.

Bailly is aiming to remain injury-free, lift the Europa League trophy this season and then sustain a push for the Premier League title next season.

The former Villarreal man, joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2016, have won the Europa League with the Reds in 2017, the League Cup in 2017 and the Community Shield in 2016.

He has made 100 appearances so far in his five years stay at the club.

“I’m very happy,” Eric Bailly told the club website. 

“This decision is something I didn’t have to think about, I love this club and I love playing for Manchester United. 

"I’m happy and so are my family, everything is good. 

"Now the moment with my injury has passed and I’m fit and feel good, and that’s it. A new contract is like a new challenge and I’m ready for this.”

“The new contract shows the group has confidence in me - the coach, the staff and the players and, for me, that is very important, and that’s why I made this decision to stay at the club.

“For me, it’s the dream to be here,"                    "Now it’s my fifth season and I hope to be here a long time." He said.

“I hope I can be ready and I don’t get any injuries and to be strong and finish the season well. 

"I hope to win the Europa League this season. We will have more challenges next season - hopefully the Champions League - and, for me, my dream is to win the Premier League, that’s my big dream.”

United manager Ole expressed his delight following Eric Bailly contract extension;

“I am pleased that Eric has signed this new contract. He is still learning and improving all of the time under the coaches here. 

“Eric has improved his robustness since my time as manager and he will continue to play a significant part in the squad... added the Norwegian.

“He possesses fantastic speed, timing of tackle and has that aggression which, of course, you need as a centre-back. He is a popular member of the squad and we look forward to continuing to work with him going forward.”

Manchester United would be looking to shake off the disappointing draw againt Leeds last Sunday when they meet Roma in the Europa League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford this Thursday.