After an unsatisfactory start to the season, Manchester United fans may well look forward to the latest international break and the respite it provides.

Following United's Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid a week ago, it was confirmed that the club would finish the season without a trophy, while the weekend provided further evidence of the gap between United and their most competitive rivals, Barcelona.

United's slim hopes of finishing in the top four were dashed by crucial victories for Arsenal and Tottenham in a week that saw Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea book their spots in the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup, as well as the FA Cup semi-finals.

After such a sad week, it would be easy for players' spirits to sag. However, amid the gloom, the international break will provide some players with a final opportunity to demonstrate why they are deserving of another chance when club football resumes.

The individual named Eric Bailly falls into this category. A year after signing a new deal, the Ivorian has failed to live up to the expectations placed on him. He is one of several squad players who never seem to get an opportunity to shine, no matter how bad his opponents are performing.

He's shown flashes of greatness as a central defender in each of his six seasons at the club, but he's always come crashing back down to earth with comedic mistakes or impulsive decisions.

Since joining the team from Villarreal, Bailly's form has been almost identical to that of the rest of the squad. Over the course of the season, there have been numerous false dawns and freak runs that have been punctuated by sporadic displays of actual world-class ability, yet such standards have eroded and consistency has been a serious issue.

Also not helping his cause are his ailments, which have plagued him since he was 17. Whether it's due to bad luck or his own inconsistent style of defense, which has resulted in extended periods on the sidelines, Bailly has just not been available on a consistent enough basis to ever be considered a long-term option at the club following his promising debut season. Since joining the team, he has missed a whopping 103 games due to 16 separate injuries and illnesses, which is a record.

In spite of the fact that United's defensive shortcomings have been well-documented this season, there is still hope for a lifeline as the club prepares for yet another seismic summer of upheaval.

To be sure, strengthening the central midfield and attack is more important than adding a new center back this summer, but if one can be found for a cheap price after the other areas have been addressed, it's worth looking into.

There is a strong possibility that United will go into next season without adding to their defensive depth, which might provide a lifeline for Bailly if he can regain his form before the end of the season and is given the opportunity to prove his worth under Ralf Rangnick.

In the upcoming international break, with matches against France and England, there would be no better stage for Bailly to put in a couple of spectacular performances to serve as a timely reminder of what he is still capable of before the end of the campaign.

Having experienced so many false dawns, it is understandable to be skeptical of Bailly's ability to provide a long-term answer to Manchester United's defensive problems. However, with the current candidates failing to impress, he undoubtedly deserves one final shot.