That’s what Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes.
Bailly had to be carried off in Shanghai during United’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Thursday.
The Ivorian centre-back was brought on at half time during the pre-season fixture, but was carried off just ten minutes later after suffering a nasty-looking knee injury.
Bailly was pinned as one of United’s two starting centre-backs for next season, but after Solskjaer admitted the injury “doesn’t look great”, he now looks unlikely to feature at the start of the campaign.
This could lead to Old Trafford chiefs escalating their bid to sign Maguire from Leicester, after having multiple bids rejected.
Although Solskjaer reiterated that he was confident in the squad depth he has at his disposal.
“We’ve had six centre-backs rotating – and they’ve all done well,” he told a press conference.
“Phil Jones played first three games, so it was his turn to be rested today.
“Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling took their chance and looked really assured at the back.
“But of course, you’re never happy when you get injuries. Let’s hope it’s not too bad for Eric.
Bailly has had an unfortunate history with injuries, having missed the African Cup of Nations through a problem he picked up back in April.
And Solskjaer hinted that he will be set for another spell on the sidelines.
“It’s never nice when you get an injury,” he added.
“It’s not worth it when you lose one. He’s done his knee but we are not sure how bad it is.
“We need to get back to Manchester and do the scan.
“Let’s hope for the best.”