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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Eric Bailly names two players who 'blew him away' at Manchester United

Eric Bailly has revealed that Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were the two players who 'blew him away' during his time at Manchester United.

The 28-year-old, who signed for the Reds in 2016, joined Ligue 1 outfit Marseille on a season-long loan in August, with the French side believed to have an option to sign the defender on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The Ivory Coast international made 113 appearances for United during his time at Old Trafford, and played alongside a number of top players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and several other stars. Despite this, he insisted that it was Rashford and Martial who impressed him during his time in England.

ALSO READ: Man United give Anthony Martial injury update and team news

When asked about his ex-United teammates, the centre-back also praised Alexis Sanchez, who plays alongside him at Marseille. Although Sanchez endured a difficult time at Old Trafford - scoring just five goals in 45 appearances - Bailly admitted that he is happy to see the Chilean in France.

"Alexis is passionate, he has the grinta (grit), the energy he gives to the people around him," Bailly told French newspaper L'Equipe. "This is what he is demonstrating again here at OM [Marseille]. He too had a difficult time in Manchester. I'm glad to find him here.

"On the field, when you see him, it makes you want to go all out, his way of pressing, his grit, his rage, when you're behind it motivates you.

"I knew a lot of great players in Manchester. But if I have to talk about everyone who impressed me, we're never going to finish this interview! There was incredible talent, both old and young. Someone like Marcus Rashford really blew me away. Anthony Martial too."

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