22/09/2017 21:13, Report by Adam Higgins

Eric Bailly feels there has already been a huge progression in the Manchester United team so far this season, compared to last term.

The tough-tackling defender helped the Reds to win the Community Shield, EFL Cup and the Europa League in his first season at the club in 2016/17 after arriving from Villarreal in Spain.

Although the Ivorian stressed that last season was a success, he believes there have been noticeable differences already in the way the team have gone about their business during the impressive start to the season in three competitions.

“I am happy because, this year, we can see a huge progression in the team compared with last season,” said the centre-back, who has formed a solid partnership with Phil Jones in the first few weeks of the campaign.

“Even though I don’t think we were bad last season – we were good – but, this year, there is more desire, more success at everything we do and, as I said, I hope that will continue.”

The Reds eased past Burton Albion with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford in midweek to make a positive start to the defence of the League Cup, now known as the Carabao Cup. Despite making nine changes, Jose Mourinho was able to field 11 full internationals and Bailly emphasised the importance of having a strong squad. 

“It’s very important for us, it’s important for the team, it’s important for the manager,” he said. “When it’s like that, there is also competition among ourselves, so we always have to improve because I don’t think anyone is automatically entitled to their position in the team. Everyone is entitled and you have to take advantage of every opportunity the manager gives you.”

Next up for United is a trip to the South Coast on Saturday to take on a Southampton side who the Reds faced three times last term, including the thrilling EFL Cup final triumph at Wembley. The Saints sit ninth in the table after taking eight points from their first five games, but Bailly is expecting a difficult match against Mauricio Pellegrino's team at St Mary's.

“We are already aware that this will be a tough game, a very difficult match because, in that team, there are a lot of quality players who are hard to deal with at all the major championships,” he said. “We have to pay attention. We have to work with the manager, follow everything he has told us in training during the week and go with a strong mental attitude so that we can win trophies.

“Personally, I think they [Southampton] are a good team, a very good team, and for the big championships they are a team that doesn’t give up. And, with us, I think they are going to give everything and they will be in front of their own fans and it won’t be easy. We are going to have to block all their attacks and take advantage of any mistakes they make in order to win this game.”

You can watch more from Eric's interview in Match Day Live on MUTV on Saturday from 13:00 BST.