Eric Bailly defends Jose Mourinho as he urges Manchester United youngsters to listen to manager's criticism

Bailly believes that a player’s ability to accept criticism is all part-and-parcel of the learning process

Eric Bailly said it is important to listen to Mourinho's criticism (Getty)

Eric Bailly has defended Jose Mourinho for his controversial approach to man management, urging Manchester United’s youngsters to listen to his outspoken criticisms.

A number of United’s players have been subject to the Portuguese’s sharp words this season, including Luke Shaw and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Indeed, Mourinho appeared to signal that young Shaw’s career at United was over, arguing that the England international’s attitude is so poor that he no longer even deserves a place on the bench.

But the 21-year-old has since fought his way back into the team and Bailly believes that a player’s ability to accept criticism is all part-and-parcel of the learning process.

“Most of the players at Manchester United are young," he said. "We have a great future ahead of us. We are here to learn so it is important to listen to the coach's advice and also the critics.

“Every player should receive some criticism because we are not perfect.

"So we have to accept the criticism from the coach and we have to keep on working because the most important thing is to work and improve and gather experience.

“For me this coach is very important for us and every young player at Manchester United.”

Bailly, who turns 21 tomorrow, was Mourinho’s first signing at United and joined the club for £30m from Villarreal.

Injury kept him out of the side for a number of months but the Ivorian has since returned to Mourinho’s starting XI and featured in their recent 3-0 win over Sunderland.