Ashley Young Reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Training Antics with Eric Bailly at Manchester United
Former Manchester United player Ashley Young has recently shared some interesting insights into the training sessions at the club during Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s time there. Young revealed that Ibrahimovic would often make defender Eric Bailly his target during these sessions, engaging in an overly-physical bromance with the Ivorian center-back.
Ibrahimovic, who spent two seasons at Old Trafford before moving to MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy in 2018, quickly became a fan favorite for his combative style of play. Despite suffering a serious knee injury towards the end of his first season, he left the club a year later with an impressive record of 17 goals in 33 appearances.
While Ibrahimovic has often been criticized for his perceived over-confidence, those who have shared a dressing room with him have spoken highly of the now-retired star. Ashley Young is the latest to pay tribute to Ibrahimovic while shedding light on his unique relationship with Bailly.
Young, speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, said, “Zlatan, wow what a guy. Obviously you look at his career and think how unbelievable it was. He was a guy who used to love being in the gym to pick on Eric Bailly. Obviously, he does martial arts and Eric used to try and beat him up, but there were plenty of times when Ibra would be there and just send him a flying kick. It was funny; he caught him a couple of times. It was funny to see and funny to watch but not nasty. It was good old fun. Eric took it; he’s a crazy guy himself.”
The trio of Ibrahimovic, Young, and Bailly were part of Jose Mourinho’s side that lifted the EFL Cup and Europa League trophies in 2017. These cup successes marked the last time Manchester United won a trophy until Erik ten Hag ended the drought with another EFL Cup win in February.
Since leaving Manchester United, Young has had spells at Inter Milan and Aston Villa. Bailly, on the other hand, recently departed the club to join Turkish giants Besiktas. Ibrahimovic, who retired from professional football in June, called time on his illustrious career.
The revelations made by Young highlight the camaraderie and lightheartedness that can exist within a team during training sessions. While Ibrahimovic’s actions may seem unconventional, they were all in good fun and served to create a positive atmosphere within the squad.
It is not uncommon for players to engage in friendly banter and pranks during training sessions, as it helps to build team spirit and strengthen relationships between teammates. Ibrahimovic’s actions towards Bailly demonstrate the strong bond they shared, even if it involved some physical playfulness.
As for Young, his admiration for Ibrahimovic is evident in his words. The Swedish striker’s impact on and off the pitch left a lasting impression on his former teammates, who continue to speak highly of him even after his retirement.
Overall, the story of Ibrahimovic making Bailly his training victim sheds light on the lighter side of professional football and the unique dynamics that exist within a team. It serves as a reminder that while the sport is highly competitive, there is also room for fun and camaraderie among players.
As fans, we often see the serious side of football during matches, but stories like these give us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes interactions that contribute to a team’s success. Ibrahimovic’s time at Manchester United may have been relatively short, but his impact on the club and his teammates will be remembered for years to come.