Manchester United

David de Gea hails Eric Bailly's start at Manchester United

By Christopher Dodd, Reporter | 08 September 2016

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea heaps praise on centre-back Eric Bailly following the 22-year-old's impressive start to life in the Premier League.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has heaped praise on new centre-back Eric Bailly following his impressive start to life at Old Trafford.

The young defender, who joined United from Villarreal for a fee of around £30m in the summer, has impressed with some standout performances in the club's opening three Premier League games, with Reds stopper De Gea even being taken aback by the 22-year-old's progress.

"Oof, [Bailly has been] a great signing," De Gea told the Daily Mail. "Eric's come in and surprised us all very quickly. I remember when I first came to England and, trust me, it can be hard early on but he's flying.

"He is physical, strong, technically confident and super-fast. He only speaks a little English but we have lots of Spaniards in the dressing room and Paul Pogba speaks French of course.

"He's a big presence and when I stand in the tunnel and look behind me, he is one of the new big, powerful players along with Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic that gives us real presence and stature this season."

United have so far claimed three wins from three in the league this campaign.