Manchester United need Lukaku and Rashford to progress

The Ivorian centre-back shared his thoughts on the Red Devils' frontmen and revealed why Mata is a 'wizard'

Manchester defender Eric Bailly has described teammate Romelu Lukaku as the player the club needs to progress and Marcus Rashford as the club's rising star.The duo alongside Anthony Martial have led the Red Devils' attack on different occasions this season.

But Lukaku who has scored four league goals this season is yet to find the back of the net since United's 2-1 win over Watford in September.
Despite the barren run, the Ivorian believes the Belgium international is still an important player for the team in a physical and competitive league.

Rashford, on his part, has notched two goals in nine Premier League games this term and Bailly has touted the talented English forward as the one to lift the club soon.

"Romelu is a very good forward and the team needs this type of player to progress," Bailly told club website.

"When you're training and the opposition has a player like him, you get even more experience of the league.

"In England, there are a lot of big players so it's a good exercise for us. It's important to have him in the team."

"He [Rashford] is the speed, talent and youth. He's the future of the club.

"With the help of those around him, I hope he will continue and become one of the best players at United in years to come. He's respectful, quiet and calm.

"He doesn't talk much but on the pitch he expresses himself. He's a huge talent."

Meanwhile, the ex-Villarreal defender is convinced of Alex Sanchez's qualities and hopes he remains at Old Trafford despite his recent struggles for playing time and transfer rumours linking him with a move to PSG.
"He has a huge amount of talent. He brings a lot, he's a plus. He's always talking to his team-mates and the other forwards. I'm very proud to have a player like him and I hope he will continue to be in good form. That will be good for our team," he added.

Bailly also revealed the name given to Juan Mata for his technique and qualities he bring to the squad.

"Mata is known as the Wizard. It's magic. He is someone who has talent, technique - he's a great player, and also a great person," he concluded.