Eric Bailly welcomes defensive competition

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has welcomed the increased competition for places at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old was left out of the team that faced West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon, with Victor Lindelof selected alongside Chris Smalling at centre-back.

Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are also now available for head coach Jose Mourinho at this stage of the campaign, but Bailly has no problems fighting for a spot in the team.

"It does [give the manager options]," Bailly told MUTV. "It is a good position to be in, to have the defence fully fit and ready. It bodes well for the remaining matches ahead of us.

"I hope we can remain with a solid defence, as do the others, and we can keep some clean sheets in those games so that we see the season out well.

"I'm fine. I had a few difficult moments with my past injury but I am fully recovered now. I came back fitter and I hope I can take all the playing opportunities that present themselves now."

Bailly has scored once in 16 appearances for United this season.