Manchester United defender Eric Bailly undergoing English lessons

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is learning English - to improve his understanding with his team-mates.

Bailly, a £30million summer signing from Villarreal, admitted he needs to be able to speak English so his team-mates can have more confidence in him when they play.

United defender Daley Blind has admitted communication with Bailly is tough because of the language barrier, with the Ivory Coast international now taking English lessons.

“There are players who speak Spanish and French and they help me integrate,” said Bailly. “I’ve just started having English classes, too. Little by little.

“It’s important for the other players to have confidence in you. It was my dream since being a child to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and now I’m here, I’m going to take that chance.”

Blind, who was paired in central defence with Bailly at the start of the season but has since switched to left-back, conceded his team-mate's lack of English was not ideal.

“I think the key is to talk a lot,” said Blind. “It's a bit more difficult with Eric because of the language barrier but we both understand football and you can also do a lot with your hands.

“We've had a good understanding already It's important to be able to rely on each other and help each other, that helps build a team together.”