Manchester United forgotten man might be about to get a final lifeline

Manchester United fans might well relish the latest international break and the escapism it offers after an underwhelming season so far.

A week ago came confirmation of another trophyless campaign following the Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid, while the weekend was further confirmation of the gulf between United and their most fierce rivals.

In a week which saw Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea book places in both the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the FA Cup, United's own slender hopes of a meagre top-four finish were dented by important wins for both Arsenal and Tottenham.

READ MORE: Manchester United fans might have to accept the gutting reality about Bruno Fernandes

It would be very easy for heads to drop after such a disappointing week, but amid the negativity, the international break will offer some players a shot at redemption, a final chance to prove why they are deserving of another chance when club football returns.

Eric Bailly is one of those individuals. The Ivorian was given promises about regular playing time when he signed his new contract a year ago, but remains a peripheral figure at Old Trafford, one of many squad players who never seem to get a chance no matter how out-of-sorts their competitors might be.

In each of his six seasons at the club, there have been brief glimpses of a genuine top-class central defender, but all too often he has come crashing down to earth with comical mistakes or rash decision-making.

Bailly's fluctuating form has almost mirrored that of the team since he joined from Villarreal. There have been plenty of false dawns and freak runs highlighted by irregular moments of genuine world-class ability, though over the course of the season