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#2 Chris Smalling
Yes, Chris Smalling has his heart set on a move to AS Roma. Yes, he is training in a separate bubble ahead of his impending move. But a move has not materialized yet, and Manchester United could capitalize on that. Selecting the Englishman in a matchday squad would put the necessary pressure on his potential suitors and perhaps even force them to accelerate their plans. Besides, Smalling showed last season that he might still be a viable option for Solskjaer at Manchester United.
His loan spell in Italy was quite a success and the former Fulham player even managed to score 2 goals and picked up an assist. He was a constant threat in the opposition's box. Smalling transformed into one of the best defenders in the league as the season progressed and it is not a wonder that La Lupa want him back. Roma Manager Paulo Fonseca is clearly a fan and has openly praised Smalling more than once.
The Englishman suited Fonseca’s playing style and displayed impressive leadership skills at the back. Ideally, Smalling should have been behind Rojo and Jones in the list of Manchester United centre-backs who should be sold this season. Holding on to him a little longer might work in the favour of the Red Devils.
Smalling joined United almost a decade ago and never really lived up to the expectations. But he might not be the only one at fault. The Englishman struggled to form a steady defensive partnership during his time at Manchester United, having to pair up with Jones, Rojo, Daley Blind, Lindelof and Eric Bailly during his time. Some of them did not complement him. Others rarely managed to stay fit enough to forge an understanding. In captain Harry Maguire, Manchester United finally have a steady centerback and Smalling might actually benefit from his countryman’s constant presence by his side.
At 30 years old, the Englishman has loads of experience on his side. While he has not been the most trustworthy during his time at Old Trafford, he has made 323 appearances for the Red Devils. Manchester United could lean on to him until they find a better option, and perhaps Smalling would himself have a point to prove to everyone at the club.
#1 Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly is a paradox. He arrived with lots of promise and hit the ground running, impressing one and all with his style of play. He was a solid, no-nonsense defender who liked a good old tussle. He was tough, he was courageous, and he reminded fans of a certain Nemanja Vidic. But Bailly was not just brawns, he was sleek on the ball and had pace to burn. Manchester United fans had every right to be ecstatic at his arrival.
5 years later, the Ivorian still has Manchester United fans divided over him. There’s no doubt about his defending. He is tenacious, he covers the ground well, his tackles can range from outrageous to world class. Sometimes, he’s cool as a cucumber, leaving forwards frozen with a swift turn on the box. Then there’s the eccentric side that raises questions over his abilities. But his bane over the years has been fitness issues.
Bailly managed just 11 appearances for Manchester United last year, missing a chunk of the season while recovering from Knee surgery. Injuries have hurt his chances of staking a claim in the first team, but when fit, he has shown signs of great promise.
Solskjaer, for one, seems to trust him. The Norwegian has indicated recently that not only is Bailly back to full fitness, but he is also stronger than ever.
"Don't forget Eric Bailly. He missed up until February and missed more than half of the season. But he came back stronger and stronger and, towards the end of the season, he looked really strong. So I think we’ll see a lot of Eric. He’s looked really strong in training as well."
Ideally, the Ivorian should be a perfect foil to Maguire. He is the fast, strong defensive partner that the Manchester United skipper needs and the two of them could work off each other very well. Eric Bailly is the perfect alternative to Lindelof at Manchester United and we could see him alongside Maguire pretty soon.
