Man Utd's Eric Bailly: Competition key under Jose Mourinho
Eric Bailly knows nothing is guaranteed about his place in the Manchester United side under Jose Mourinho.
Despite being an ever-present in United's unbeaten start to the Premier League season, during which they conceded only two goals, Bailly was rested for the win over Crystal Palace due to what Mourinho said was 'fatigue'.
Alongside Phil Jones, Bailly had kept £30million summer arrival Victor Lindelof and former first team regular Chris Smalling on the sidelines.
Eric Bailly knows nothing is guaranteed about his place in the Manchester United side
Before being rested against Crystal Palace he was an ever-present in United's unbeaten start
With Lindelof and Smalling in competition for places, as well as Marcos Rojo on the road to recovery from injury, Bailly says it is important he retains his standards to keep his place in the team.
'It's very important for us, it's important for the team, it's important for the manager, and when it's [competitive for places],' Bailly told United Review.
'There is also competition amongst ourselves, so we always have to improve because I don't think anyone is automatically entitled to their position in that team.
Alongside Phil Jones, Bailly has kept Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling on the sidelines
'There's a good relationship between Phil and me, and with the other two defenders, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling, even though we've not had the chance to play together yet.
'It's fine in my view because there are four of us defenders and everyone is ready to make the most of the opportunities the manager gives us.
'To defend as well as possible and concede less goals, that's the aim for all of us.'