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Valencia boss Marcelino has backed struggling defender Eric Bailly to prove his enduring value to Manchester United .

Central defender Bailly, Jose Mourinho’s first signing at United, has found himself out of favour at Old Trafford this season.

Bailly has played just once for United in the past two months, but is set to start against Valencia in the Champions League tomorrow.

Marcelino managed Bailly when the two were together at Villarreal and the current Valencia boss has backed his former player to come though his tough spell at United.

“I was so lucky to have Eric as a footballer, as a player,”said Marcelino. “He’s an extraordinary player and an extraordinary person.

(Image: Matthew Peters)

“I’m so sorry for his injuries, because I know his performances are conditioned by this. I know he is having a hard time and suffering when trying to have a stable rhythm in the team.

“I wish nothing but the best for him and I feel his youth will help him through these hard times and he will be very imp for United.

“I think he’s playing really well for United when he plays, but because of his injuries he’s not getting the luck he deserves.”

(Image: PA)

Valencia are struggling this season, 15th in La Liga and just four points off the relegation zone. They failed to make it through the Champions League group stage, but are guaranteed a place in the Europa League.

“Our players are having a hard time, it’s not easy for us,” said Marcelino. “When things are going well it’s easy, but when things are not going well you have to be a man and stand up to it.

“We would love to have had the chance to qualify for the nest round, but we’ve qualified for the Europa League and our situation in La Liga is not really good, so our priority is the match against Eibar this weekend.

“We are altogether united in this opinion. Everything is decided for us in Champions League and even if this is an important match, we have many players that will not be able to play, so we will be balancing every situation before making our decisions.”

(Image: John Peters)

Valencia owner Peter Lim has flown in from Singapore for tomorrow’s match, although Marcelino said he does not have a meeting planned with him and is confident the and the club’s hierarchy still have faith in him.

“I know how the club thinks about me and the feelings they have for me, so I’m not doubtful in this aspect,” said Marcelino.

“I feel absolutely sure about my position in the club and also I think that coaches should always have their priorities clear, and my experiences as a coach tells me my priorities shocked be trying to improve our results and I am convinced this will happen, that we will get better.”