The defender admits that he found the level of criticism difficult to understand
Eric Bailly joined Manchester United from Villareal for a reported fee of £30 million, signing a four-year contract with the option of an additional two in 2016. Since then he has been an integral part of the team and established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
The 24 year old impressed during his debut season with the Red Devils, making 37 starts and helped them to win the League Cup and Europa League.
The Ivory Coast International started the last season season brightly and was one of the stand out players. But an untimely injury picked in November which sidelined for three months.
However, the centre-back has featured in both the club’s opening Premier League fixtures. They won the first match against Leicester City but were defeated by Brighton last weekend.
He struggled throughout the game, giving away a penalty and has been criticized heavily during this week. Sky pundit Graeme Souness claimed he did not know “if he’s in New York or New Year” during the disastrous defeat.
United legend Gary Neville was equally cutting, as he claimed the defender was not good enough to star for the club.
“I always take criticism well when they are constructive, when they are there to help and I actually like criticism but in a positive way,” said Bailly as quoted by Mirror.
“But what Graeme Souness said was a little bit disrespectful because it became so personal and it’s not the sort of criticism that can help a young player improve and become a better player.”
“I think the criticism was a bit harsh, particularly from people who have played the game and have probably made mistakes themselves during their career,” he added.
“As young players, we need support from these people. If we got more support from these people, that can help us. But negative comments all of the time doesn’t help the young players or the team.
“It was not just one individual performance on Sunday. It was the whole team that struggled. But it was just one battle lost, not the whole war.
“But it’s one game. We cannot forget that. We shouldn’t just focus on the negative, build on the positive and starting with Tottenham on Monday.”
“I think my career has been positive so far,” the Ivorian said said. “Yes, my second season was difficult because of injuries but you have to remember I was coming from a different championship in Spain.
“You have to remember the Premier League is very difficult, very different and physical. But I think I adapted well and largely my career has been very positive.
“The critics are sometimes good, sometimes bad. But this is my third season and up to now, the critics have always been positive.
“So one piece of negativity will not change my goal and my target which is to become a very good player for Manchester United.
“I’m still smiling because I know what I can do. It doesn’t change anything. Sometimes you can have a bad day, the best thing is not to think about it too much, not to let it affect you and focus on the next game and making a positive response.”
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