Eric Bailly accuses Manchester United of favouring English players

Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly has accused Manchester United of unfairly favouring English players. 

The 28-year-old endured a difficult 2021-22 season at Old Trafford as he made only four appearances in the Premier League. 

With Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof ahead of him in the pecking order, he struggled for game time under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. 

The Ivorian was pushed further down the pecking order after the Red Devils signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax in the summer. 

He has now joined Marseille on loan, who have the obligation to make the move permanent if they qualify for the Champions League. 

Bailly has made two appearances in the Ligue 1 and is expected to play against Tottenham Hotspur this week in the Champions League. 

However, the defender recently criticised United for favouring English players rather than choosing teams on merit. 

“The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance,” hee said (as per The Times). 

“[The club should] encourage competition in the dressing room, not just look out for some. I’ve always had the feeling that the national player was prioritised.

“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 was first signed in 2016 for around £30 million when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

He enjoyed an impressive first season but failed to maintain his levels over the years. 

Injuries limited his involvement in the team but he also failed to impress with his performances even when he was fit. 

Since arriving at Old Trafford, he made only 113 appearances across all competitions, with a goal to his name. 

The Ivory Coast international has accused United of favouritism but it seems that he has only himself to blame if he wasn’t playing regularly.