Eric Bailly has revealed how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Manchester United fans played a role in helping him back to the first team after a serious injury.
Bailly, whose United career has been plagued by injuries, went down again in a pre-season game against Tottenham in Shanghai with a knee problem.
He didn't return until February, though was Man Of The Match in his first game back, a crucial 2-0 victory over top four rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Bailly has opened up on Solskjaer's support, the way he communicates with his players and why he believes the Norwegian is the right man for the United job.
"He's someone that will always talk to you," Bailly told ESPN.
"He always communicates well. He gives you so much confidence because as a footballer, you go through moments where you feel low and he can read that and when he sees that he immediately comes over to you and talks to you.
"He offers advice so that you can regain confidence and for me, that's so important because we have a very young team and if we have a coach or manager like that then the team will go from strength to strength."
Bailly also spoke about the difficulties of spending so much time on the treatment table, unable to play.
The Ivory Coast international admitted it was difficult to return to the fast pace of the Premier League, but thanked his teammates and the United fans for welcoming him back.
"If you've not been playing for a long time, in a league as strong as this one, the truth is that it's hard," he added.
"Imagine with an injury as long as mine too! But the truth is, I've been lucky with my teammates to have their help and support and I had a phenomenal return.
"It was a difficult match against Chelsea, my first match back, and thank god that we won.
"The fans are so important. They're the 12th man, you know?
"I want to say thank you because during my injury, I got a lot of messages of support so thank you. And now, in return, I have to give my best so that they can enjoy the game as well."
With football currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bailly and his United teammates must wait a little longer before they can take to the pitch again. But having overcome injury issues, the defender will be sure to capitalise on his United opportunities when football resumes.
