Olympique de Marseille in talks with Manchester United for Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly
Manchester United are in talks with Olympique de Marseille to discuss the transfer of Eric Bailly, according to Manchester Evening News. The French club are looking at a loan move with an option to buy for the 28-year-old.
The Manchester-based club are now looking to trim the squad. We have enough depth in the centre-back positions. The Ivorian is amongst other defenders, like Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, that United are willing to part ways with.
The Ivorian signed from Villarreal in the summer of 2016. The 28-year-old had an impressive debut season in Manchester. He started 24 games for the Red Devils in the Premier League.
However, Bailly has struggled with injuries for the last few years. The Ivorian hasn’t featured enough for United. Managers haven’t been able to rely on the 28-year-old.
Bailly not guaranteed game time at United
There seem to be four defenders ahead of Bailly in the pecking order. Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof played the majority of last season. United have signed Lisandro Martinez this summer, who has started the first two games of the 2022/23 campaign.
In the previous season, the former Villarreal star featured in just seven games for the Red Devils. Bailly was unable to break into the XI. Our captain was partnered with either our Swedish or French defender.
Erik ten Hag was appointed manager at the end of the last campaign. United had a bad defensive record in the PL, conceding 57 goals. We had the eighth worst defensive record in the league.
Bailly isn’t guaranteed minutes at Old Trafford this season. Ten Hag has several options at his disposal. The Ivorian’s move away would be best for both the player and United.
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The Red Devils are seemingly looking to bring in more fresh faces. Bailly’s departure could free up some space on the wage bill and it’s not like OM are a small club by any means.
The African defender, if he joins the French club this summer, would be playing for a club that won the UEFA Champions League final in 1993 against AC Milan and who still hold the aspirations of winning the Ligue title again.