Eric Bailly may force Victor Lindelof into unwanted Manchester United decision

Manchester United are currently overloaded with seven first-team centre-backs, and something has got to give.

At the start of the summer, Eric Bailly was one of the favourites to leave, alongside Phil Jones. While it seems the latter is headed for the exit door after being left out of United’s pre-season tour squad, it perhaps should be a different story for Bailly.

The Ivorian has not played a competitive game for United in 2022 since coming back from January’s Africa Cup of Nations with an ankle injury. Ralf Rangnick didn’t take to him, but Ten Hag has given him a shot in pre-season.

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Bailly has put in a number of impressive performances, most notably in the 4-0 win over Liverpool where he made a number of vital blocks.

He’s also managed to help set up two of the 11 goals United have scored in their three friendlies. As a result, he has now arguably jumped ahead of Victor Lindelof in the pecking order.

The Swede had frequently filled in for Harry Maguire and the often injured Raphael Varane last season, unexpectedly racking up 34 appearances in all. His opportunities next term have narrowed with the arrival of Lisandro Martinez and they risk becoming sparse with Bailly’s recent form.

Lindelof hasn’t been scintillating in the meantime either this summer, notably looking slow to keep up with the Melbourne Victory attack during their breakaway goal last week. If something doesn’t change soon, he will be faced with a decision.

As the captain of Sweden, and having tallied more than 400 career club appearances at the age of 28, sitting fifth in the centre-half selection order will not do. He’s gathered at least 29 appearances every season since his arrival at Old Trafford but he