Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted he now faces a selection conundrum in defence after Eric Bailly’s standout display against Chelsea.
The Ivorian started his first appearance for United since last April – also against Chelsea – after recovering from a serious knee ligament injury.
Bailly was a surprise inclusion in the United lineup after an illness forced regular centre-half Victor Lindelof out of Monday’s Stamford Bridge clash.
And the 25-year-old produced a masterclass in defending, leaving boss Solskjaer waxing lyrical about his talents.
“Absolutely fantastic, wasn’t he?” Solskjaer said. “Not a bad [selection] conundrum [to have], because Eric’s a top player.”
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Bailly’s performance was epitomised by a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic a goalscoring opportunity.
“It was his first game since we played Chelsea last year in April,” Solskjaer added.
“He’s such a top, top defender and his block from [Mateo] Kovacic is out of this world defending.
“He’s quick, he’s strong, brave as a lion and it’s great to have him back.”
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United’s back three of Bailly, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw shut out the Blues, despite Frank Lampard’s side twice having the ball in the net.
Maguire should arguably have seen red for a petulant kick out at Michy Batshuayi in the first-half, but VAR saw no need for further action.
The United skipper apologised after the match, and stressed his innocence, but pundit Roy Keane branded him “lucky” to not be sent off.
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He went on to play a pivotal part in the match, heading home United’s second from a corner after Anthony Martial had put the Red Devils in front.
By that stage, Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma had seen his goal ruled out by VAR for a push by teammate Cesar Azpilicueta, while Olivier Giroud’s late header was chalked off for offside.
Blues boss Frank Lampard fumed after the match: “Maguire should get a red and he scores the second goal. That one is a major part of what VAR was brought here for. If you are not going to look at the monitor then you’re definitely not going to see it.”
Adding of the disallowed goals, he said: “Azpilicueta gets a shove in the back – it’s not clear, it’s not obvious, Azpi has been pushed in the back.
“Giroud’s goal being ruled out is a bit soul destroying but it’s the culmination of a few incidents. VAR is there for that and a toe offside is a toe offside, even if we don’t like it.”
The win moves United to within three points of Chelsea in the table, with Tottenham and Sheffield Utd separating the sides.
