Manchester United just completed the signing of Villarreal center-back Eric Bailly on Wednesday, as confirmed by reports all over the media. The deal was big, as the defensive superstar becomes Jose Mourinho’s first signing of the summer transfer window. The Portuguese boss had earlier stated that he was not impressed by a few first team stars at Old Trafford, including Dutch international Daley Blind, who was played as a center-back at times.
Due to this, the former Chelsea manager wanted to get a new defender in, as soon as possible. Despite the wait, Mourinho has finally got one now.
As one question gets answered, another arises. This time about the future of the 26 year old Blind, whose ability to play with the left foot was appreciated by ex boss Louis van Gaal. The Dutch manager might not have won much during his time at the club, but finally had found his best starting eleven, which he was using consistently.
However, this Mourinho move has changed the dimensions of the team once again. It was surely expected that new players would come in, though the impact on the existing ones is still uncertain.
For all we know, his career at the club all but be over now and there had been speculations of a possible exit in the upcoming days. Now, whether that happens or not shall be seen, though where can Blind exactly play now?
Chris Smalling would now probably partner Bailly at the center of the United back-line, with Phil Jones as the back-up. This would mean that Blind would not be able to feature at the center. Further, Marco Rojo, Luke Shaw and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson will be available for the left, with Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian, for the right.
In front of the defensive line, Morgan Schneiderlin or top target Nemanja Matic, as per claims, might be coming in and forming a pair with either each other or with Bastian Schweinsteiger or Michael Carrick. There are another better option Ander Herrera as well and the Dutch defensive superstar might barely get any time to feature in the playing eleven.
Moreover, there might be the addition of more key players, if Mourinho stresses on the fact of having more players that he likes. He has the money and he has the mind to bring more signings in at The Theater of Dreams, prior to the start of the new campaign, irrespective of Champions League football or not.
This could mean the worst news for players like Blind and Mata and any other star who ends up on the wrong side of Mourinho. It’s best that he leaves while he still can, before he ends up doing a “Victor Valdes” on the boss!!