Eric Bailly 'Worried About His Manchester United Future' After Jose Mourinho Ax

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is reportedly concerned over his future at the club after being dropped by manager Jose Mourinho.

According to the Mirror's John Cross, Mourinho has "frozen out" the centre-back and has not offered an explanation as to why. Bailly is said to be unhappy at the treatment he has received, which has also surprised his team-mates.

Bailly has not featured in three of United's past four matchday squads and was an unused substitute in the other.

The Ivory Coast international was due to feature against West Bromwich Albion on April 15 but was advised to go home the day before by the club doctor because of illness.

Blogger Dale O'Donnell questioned Bailly's absence in the following game against Tottenham Hotspur:

He failed to make the squad against Arsenal on Sunday despite Phil Jones' absence, with Victor Lindelof starting in his place and Marcos Rojo the sole defender on the bench.

Media consultant Tom McDermott also believed Bailly's absences are indicative of a falling-out between player and coach:

The 24-year-old missed much of the winter with an ankle injury, but he has been United's best centre-back since he arrived at the club from Villarreal in 2016.

Bailly has the strength and speed to handle the rigours of the Premier League, and he excels in one-on-one situations.

Football writer Liam Canning is a keen admirer:

Jones and Chris Smalling make a formidable partnership at times, but they also have self-destructive tendencies that have often cost the team and make them an unsuitable long-term central-defensive pairing.

Though Bailly is not immune to making the occasional mistake, the club should be looking to him to take them forward when he's fit—freezing him out of the team makes little sense.