Eric Bailly has accused Manchester United of favoring English players in an extraordinary tirade about his treatment at the club.
The Ivorian is currently on loan at French club Marseille, who have agreed to buy the player for €5m provided certain conditions are met.
Those include Bailly completing several games this season and the French club qualifying for the Champions League.
In an interview with The Times, the centre-back seems to have been left with a bitter taste in his mouth at the treatment he received at Old Trafford.
“The club should avoid favoring English players and give everyone a chance,” he said.
“[They should] Encourage competition in the locker room, not just look for some. I have always had the feeling that the national player was prioritized.
“That doesn’t happen at Chelsea or other big clubs in the Premier League.
“There are people who take it for granted that they will start and that weakens the team.
“Fortunately [Erik] Ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that dynamic.”
Bailly spoke highly of Ten Hag in the interview, saying he spoke to the incoming manager at the end of last season.
“I was packing my things because my intention was to leave, but he told me that he wanted me to stay because he was going to give everyone minutes; Bailey said.
“I agreed to do the summer tour with United and he kept his word, but I don’t want to play from time to time. I want to do it every week and feel important. I want to get my confidence back.”
Bailly has always been a fan favorite at United and is probably one of the most naturally talented defenders to grace the club in many years. however, his injury history coupled with moments of exaltation and lapses in concentration meant that he never had a sustained career with the team.
The 28-year-old appears to blame United’s previous managers for that, stating “I just lacked consistency, because I think I deserved more minutes.”
Some fans would agree that Bailly deserved more opportunities, particularly last season when Harry Maguire was unconditionally cast despite his abject manner.
Of course, depending on OM’s performance in the league and his own fitness level this season, Bailly could find himself back at Old Trafford next summer and having to play alongside those he feels were given preferential treatment over him.
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