Manchester United fear Eric Bailly could be out for the rest of 2016

Eric Bailly poses with a brace on his leg at Carrington [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Manchester United fear Eric Bailly could be out for the rest of the year.

Centre-back Bailly limped out of United's crushing 4-0 defeat after suffering a second-half knee injury.

Boss Jose Mourinho confirmed after the game: "He is injured and I am afraid he is badly injured.

"In his knee, in the ligament area. He feels that it is really bad."

Despite those concerns Bailly, 22, left Stamford Bridge limping but without any crutches.

However, after their initial assessments United fear he might not be fit enough to play again until January.

A lengthy lay-off for Bailly would be a huge setback for United. Bailly has been a big hit since his £30m summer arrival from Villarreal, starting 13 of United's 14 games.

A January return could also put Bailly's hopes of going to the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast in doubt. The tournament in Gabon starts on January 14.

However the player is optimistic of making an early return.

Bailly is eyeing less than two months on the sidelines, and a return for both the hectic Christmas period and The Elephants defence of their African title.

"I wanted to thank you for all the messages of support that I received since the injury!" he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

"I hope to be able to play again for United and The Elephants before 2 months, God willing. Thanks for always being there!"