‘Stop favouring English players’ – Bailly hits out at Manchester United

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By Martin Graham | 7th Sep 2022

In a series of comments that have generated much buzz on social media, Eric Bailly has caused a stir after claiming that Manchester United have a particular bias towards English players.

The Ivorian, who completed a move from United on loan to join Marseille in a deal which includes an obligation to buy under certain conditions, only managed 70 Premier League games across six seasons with the Red Devils as injuries limited his chances a great deal.

However, when he was fit, Bailly claims he was not given the consideration he should have gotten, with the club’s English players preferred even when they were not deserving of a starting berth.

Though the Ivorian did not mention names but his statements were more or less directed at club captain Harry Maguire and the 27-year-old has now poured out his mind genuinely on the matter.

Baily accuses Manchester United of favouring English players

Speaking in a revealing rant, Baily said about his time at Manchester United: “The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance”.

“Encourage competition in the dressing room, not just look out for some. I’ve always had the feeling that the national player was prioritized.

“That doesn’t happen at Chelsea or other big Premier League clubs. Some people take it for granted that they are going to start, and that weakens the team. Luckily [Erik] ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that dynamic.”

Bailly also revealed that Ten Hag tried to persuade him to remain at the club this summer but he was fed up of not getting the minutes that he felt he deserved.

“I met Erik Ten Hag in the dressing room at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract,” Bailly said. “I was packing my things because my intention was to leave, but he told me he wanted me to stay because he was going to give minutes to everyone.

“I agreed to do the summer tour with United, and he kept his word, but I don’t want to play every now and then. I want to do it every week and feel important. I want to get my confidence back.”

On his overall time at United, he reflected: “I was [Jose] Mourinho’s first signing and I also had good moments where titles were won. I played important games and in some I was chosen as the best player. I think when I was given the opportunity I rose to the occasion.

“I just lacked consistency, because I think I deserved more minutes.”

After Bailly’s latest comments, it’s safe to say his time at Manchester United is more or less over.