Mourinho determined to turn Bailly into 'world-class' defender

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has praised newly-signed Eric Bailly, saying the Ivory Coast international has the potential to be a world-class centre-half.

Bailly, who was Mourinho's first signing as the United manager, was brought from Villarreal for 30 million Euros. He went on to display an impressive performance during his club's debut in 2-0 friendly win at Wigan.

"Of course, he's a very young boy coming from a completely different environment, but you could see what he is at this moment," the Portugal was quoted as saying by goal.com.

Although Bailly had played only 40 La Liga matches before joining the Old Trafford club, Mourinho remains adamant he would turn the player into a world-beater in his position.

"I will give him everything to try to make him better and better, like I did with other central defenders I've had in my hands. Like, for example, [Raphael] Varane, and I will try to make him the best I can," he added.

Bailly played 82 minutes of Mourinho's first friendly game in charge ahead of the United's trip to China, where the side will face Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.