Mourinho’s 1st signing Eric Bailly joins Man United on 4-year contract

Eric Bailly has joined Manchester United from Villarreal on a four-year contract.

Eric Bailly has joined Manchester United from Villarreal on a four-year contract.

Villarreal's Eric Bailly celebrates after he scored a goal against Dinamo Minsk during their Europa league group E football match at the Madrigal stadium in Villarreal, Spain. (Reuters File Photo)

United says the 22-year-old Ivory Coast central defender’s move to Old Trafford is contingent on him obtaining a work permit.

Bailly’s contract includes an option to extend for an additional two years.

Bailly made 44 appearances for Villareal since joining the Spanish side in January 2015. He has also made 15 appearances for the Ivory Coast and was part of the team that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bailly is United’s first new signing since Jose Mourinho was hired as manager last month.

Bailly says playing for Mourinho “will help me develop in the right way and at the right club”.

Mourinho says the defender “has the potential to become one of the best around”.