The Ivorian central defender signed for the Reds from next week's final opponents back in the summer of 2016. The now 27-year-old spent two full seasons at Estadio El Madrigal, after joining from Espanyol in 2014.
For the Yellow Submarine, our physical centre-back made 47 appearances, nine of which came in the Europa League, including Villarreal’s 1-0 win in their semi-final first leg encounter with Liverpool in 2016. Our historic rivals went on to win the return leg 3-0 at Anfield, a game our defender missed out on with injury.
Bailly, who recently signed a contract extension with United until 2024 with an option of a further year, describes his previous club as special ahead of facing them in the all-important Europa League final.