Bailly so keen to extend Reds stay

ERIC Bailly may have been at Manchester United for just half a season, but the summer signing from Villarreal is already convinced he would like to spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford.

Bailly became Jose Mourinho's first recruit back in June and the young centre-back has flourished throughout his debut campaign as a Red, winning the club's Player of the Month award for August and impressing supporters with his all-action performances in the heart of the defence.

DUTY

The 22-year-old is currently away on international duty, representing Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

He played in his side's opening Group 'C' game, a 0-0 draw with Togo on Monday, and is now preparing to face Democratic Republic of the Congo tonight.

"Hopefully I can play in Manchester all my life," Bailly said.

"I'm very happy here because it is such a great club.

"It's such an honour to play for United and I hope I can continue giving my best to become a great player in this club."

Bailly also spoke about United's growing momentum under Mourinho, with the team currently enjoying a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions ahead of tomorrow's trip to Stoke City.

The defender is confident the Reds are heading in the right direction and will enjoy success this season.

"There are a lot of new players and the coach is new," he said.

"Now we are noting that the team is gelling together and creating a good atmosphere, and we are having the results too.

"We know that with a coach like Mourinho, he can bring the best out of players, so I'm very confident that this team can go further.

"The players are getting a good understanding both on and off the pitch."

Aside from Bailly, Mourinho has virtually a full squad to choose from for the trip to the Potteries.

BATTLE

For Stoke, goalkeeper Jack Butland is out, meaning Lee Grant could continue his battle with United's forwards after his heroics in the teams' 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford earlier in the season.

Geoff Cameron and Stephen Ireland are also sidelined, Bojan Krkic and Jonathan Walters are considered doubtful, while Ramadan Sobhi is on international duty with Egypt at the Cup of Nations tournament.