Manchester United have confirmed they have completed the signing of Ivory Coast international defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old has signed a four year deal, with an option to extend it for two more years. His move to Old Trafford is subjected to obtaining the work permit.
A statement on United's official website read, "Manchester United is delighted to announce that Eric Bertrand Bailly has completed his transfer from Villarreal CF, subject to successfully obtaining a work permit. Eric joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further two years."
"Bailly, 22, made 47 appearances for Villarreal since joining on 29 January 2015. The Ivory Coast central defender has made 15 appearances for his country and was part of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, having appeared in all six matches during the competition."
Bailly becomes Jose Mourinho's first signing at United. The Portuguese tactician replaced Louis van Gaal as the Red Devils manager after the latter was relieved from his duties just days after he guided them to the FA Cup success.
The African defender expressed his delight to be Mourinho's first acquisition at United. He has set his sights on further improving as a player and also adapt quickly to the physicality of English football.
"It is really very special. First and foremost as a young player it's a real confidence boost that a manager with so much experience of English football has trusted in me by making me his first signing," Bailly told United's official website.
"Again it's all about that settling-in period, hoping that I evolve and progress as a player as quickly as possible to get up to speed in the English league."
