Man Utd should avoid favouring English players – Eric Bailly

Olympique Marseille defender Eric Bailly has taken a fresh swipe at Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

Bailly has accused his parent club of “favouring English players” rather than choosing teams on merit.

“The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance,” Bailly said at his Marseille presentation.

“[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 revealed he held talks with ten Hag at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, and decided to leave despite the 52-year-old’s desire to keep him because he wanted more regular playing time.

“I met Erik Ten Hag in the dressing room at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract,” Bailly added.

“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.”