Football
ESPN staff 8y

Nemanja Vidic flattered Man United's Eric Bailly is being compared to him

Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has hailed the impact Eric Bailly has made since arriving at the club, while he is pleased the defender's playing style has been compared to his.

Bailly, 22, arrived at United from Villarreal in the summer and has gone on to start in all six of the club's Premier League games this season.

The Ivory Coast international's performances have led to some comparisons with ex-United defender Vidic, who says he is flattered by such talk.

"It's nice to hear and, from what I've seen, he is a very good player," Vidic told United Review of Bailly. "If he keeps going as he is, he will definitely have a great career at United.

"Of course, I'm glad that someone compares him to me and I hope he will be a player who does very well for us. He's strong and composed with the ball. He's a very confident player. He has a bit of everything."

Vidic, who spent eight years at United, says he has been impressed with the way Bailly has settled quickly into life at the club.

"What I have seen in the first few matches is that we have a great player for the future and a player I would say we needed," he said. "He reads the game well. He already looks a big signing for us.

"I think he's already popular with the fans. Of the signings we've had this year, I think he's the one that has surprised everyone the most. He's 22 years old and he went straight into the club and looks at home straight away. That's outstanding for me.

"We know how many players come to England and need time to adapt and that, for me, is what is so impressive -- he's 22 and he has adapted straight away and showed some confidence which is important.

"The most important thing for a player of his age is to keep his feet on the ground. The first few matches he really performed well and had so many compliments from everyone, but it's important to stay calm, keep doing what he was doing before and keep improving.

"If he continues to play like he does and stays focused, he can be here for many years and help the team be successful."

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