Jose Mourinho: 'Eric Bailly has surprised me'

Eric Bailly and Antoine Griezmann in action during the La Liga game between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal on February 20, 2016
© AFP
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says that he has been surprised by how Eric Bailly has adapted to life at Old Trafford.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he has been impressed with Eric Bailly since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Earlier this summer, Bailly left Villarreal to link up with the Premier League giants and he was initially regarded as one for the future, but the Ivorian has been one of United's star performers in their wins over Leicester City and Bournemouth.

The Portuguese told reporters: "I am surprised he has such a strong personality. A young boy playing in a completely different competition coming from a club without the same pressure as Man Utd.

"He comes here, first match, stable, comfortable, including with communication because other players speak French and Spanish."

Bailly may face competition for a starting role from Chris Smalling - who returns from suspension - when United host Southampton on Friday night.

Jose Mourinho the manager of Chelsea gestures during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Chelsea FC and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Stamford Bridge on November 4, 2015
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City22006246
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd22005146
3Hull City22004136
4Chelsea22004226
5Everton21103214
6Middlesbrough21103214
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs21102114
8Burnley21012113
9West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom21012203
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11Liverpool210145-13
12Swansea CitySwansea210112-13
13Arsenal201134-11
14Watford201123-11
15Leicester CityLeicester201112-11
16Southampton201113-21
17Stoke CityStoke201125-31
18Sunderland200224-20
19Crystal Palace200202-20
20Bournemouth200214-30