Bailly: I still need to earn Mourinho's trust

Eric Bailly has enjoyed a fine maiden season for Manchester United so far but still feels he needs to "earn the manager's trust" as he bids to cement his place in the heart of the defence.

The centre-back's combative, commanding displays have quickly made him a fans' favourite, though his debut campaign has been disrupted by knee injuries sustained in the Reds' away games at Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

After his Ivory Coast side were knocked out in the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, the 22-year-old returned to United in time to start against Leicester City last Sunday. Now back in the groove, he aims to continue impressing his manager, Jose Mourinho.

Bailly told MUTV on Friday: "I’ve got straight back into training and now, with a bit more time, I’ve recovered and I’m in good shape fitness-wise. I’m back working with the rest of the lads and feeling good.

"I’m still young, so I need to have game time and to earn the manager’s trust to be able to gain some experience. It’s important for me; it helps me to give my best to help the team. I’m here to seize the opportunities the manager gives me."

United face Watford at Old Trafford today and will be looking to gain a measure of revenge for the 3-1 defeat to the Hornets earlier in the season. Bailly played in that game at Vicarage Road in September and has emphasised the importance of building on the 3-0 victory at Leicester.

"It’s important to provide an extra boost to all our players – we have extraordinary players who can all bring something to the team," he said. 

"We also need to forget about tiredness – which can be quite important when you play several matches in a row – and everyone needs to give their best."

Should Bailly feature in the game at the weekend, he may come up against M'Baye Niang, the on-loan AC Milan striker who scored one goal and assisted another on his Watford debut against Burnley.

"He’s a good French forward, with extraordinary speed – we’ll watch him closely," Bailly added. "He forms a great partnership with [Troy] Deeney, who is strong and very experienced and brings a lot to his team. For me, they will form a deadly attack duo, so we’ll be very careful because they’re a very difficult team to play against."

MUTV will show the full interview with Bailly in Match Day Live from 14:00 GMT.