Eric Bailly has answered an SOS from Manchester United to return to the UK.

The Telegraph says Bailly has flown back to the United Kingdom just days after United granted him permission to join the Ivory Coast squad, according to reports.

The centre-back, 27, could feature against Burnley in the Premier League on Thursday as Ralf Rangnick frantically searches for solutions in defence.

The Red Devils were fortunate to leave St James' Park with a point and had David de Gea to thank for limiting Newcastle to one goal in Monday's 1-1 draw.

Raphael Varane was at fault for Allan Saint-Maximin's opener, clearly lacking match sharpness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

His defensive partner, Harry Maguire, also put in a dubious performance on Tyneside and Rangnick admitted his side were lacking physically as they failed to win "direct duels".

The United interim manager has taken drastic action ahead of the midweek clash with the Clarets and Bailly has jetted back to the UK.

The former Villarreal star had been granted permission to link up with his international teammates early to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Ivory Coast kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on 12 January.