Eric Bailly to Manchester United: New signing hails 'dream come true' in first interview since joining club

The 22-year-old defender has signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford

(Getty)

Eric Bailly has described moving to Manchester United as 'a dream come true' in his first interview since joining the club from Villarreal.

The 22-year-old defender arrives on a four-year contract as part of a deal worth approximately £30m and becomes the first player to be signed by Jose Mourinho, who was appointed as United's new manager last month.

"I am really happy to be here at the biggest club in the world," he told MUTV, the club's official television channel.

"It’s a dream come true for me. I am very happy to be here in Manchester. It’s a real joyful moment for me. I’ve always dreamt of playing in English football. When Manchester United was mentioned I didn’t have to think twice."

Mourinho has moved quickly to secure the Ivory Coast international's signature, with the confirmation coming less than a fortnight after the Portuguese coach replaced Louis van Gaal.

Bailly is keen to repay the faith shown in him by Mourinho and hopes to impress his new manager.

"It’s really special. First and foremost as a young player it’s a confidence boost that a manager with so much experience of English football has trusted in me by making me his first signing," he said.

"Again, it’s all about that settling in period and hoping that I evolve and progress as a player as quickly as possible to get up to speed in the English league."

Standing at 6ft1in, Bailly is an imposing centre-back who can also play on the right-hand side of defence and he believes such physicality will suit the English game.

"Well you know it is a different style to Spanish football. It’s more physical and maybe more direct as well. It’s a style of football I have always liked. I have always thought it would suit my style of football as well. I hope that I can get used to it and start to enjoy it over the coming months, years and seasons to come after that.

"My message to the fans would be thank you for the great welcome so far," he added.

"I have noticed a positive reaction on social media and people are pleased to see me here. Being a young player arriving at a big club is great. It’s something that really helps me on the way.

"In return I hope to put a smile on the faces of Manchester United fans with my style of play and what I can achieve at the club."

Bailly will compete for a place in the centre of defence with Chris Smalling, United's third captain, and Daley Blind, who deputised in the position for much of last season despite naturally playing as a full-back and defensive midfielder.