Manchester United defender Eric Bailly admits Olympique Marseille president Pablo Longoria convinced him about his loan move.

He has kept clean sheets in both of his Ligue 1 outings so far as Marseille sit second in the table, unbeaten in six league matches. He suffered his first loss for his new side in the 2-0 midweek Champions League loss to Tottenham but looks to be in a more confident mood.

Bailly has now detailed what amazed him about Marseille president Pablo Longoria that convinced him to secure a loan across the English Channel.

“I only knew him as the president of Marseille, not as a person," he told La Provence.

“When he called, he told me about my time at Villarreal, about all the things I did there. He told me secrets that I didn't expect. I said to myself: 'I don't know him, but how does he know all this?'

“Then he explained that he was close friends with my former coach Marcelino (Toral, ex-Villarreal boss). The conversation was smooth and easy. It made me want to come even more."