Erik ten Hag responds to claim by Eric Bailly that Manchester United favour English players
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has declined to make a comment on the claim Eric Bailly made that the club “favour English players”. The Ivory Coast international feels players of other nationalities did not get the opportunities in his time with the Red Devils.
Bailly left United during the transfer window and joined Olympique Marseille. The Ligue 1 outfit will be obligated to buy the Ivorian centre-back if certain conditions are met.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag was adamant that a player’s nationality would not have a bearing on their chances in his side. The Dutch manager refused to react to the 28-year-old’s accusation.
“I have nothing to say about that because it was last season, I wasn’t in charge, so I don’t know the situation.”
Bailly made his way to the Theatre of Dreams in 2016 from Villarreal. The Ivorian had a good debut campaign for United. The 28-year-old was one of the key members of Jose Mourinho’s side.
Bailly suffered with injuries at United
However, Bailly had a hard time at United after his first season. The 28-year-old has suffered a lot of injuries in Manchester and has been sidelined. The Ivorian missed 103 games for the Red Devils in his six-year spell.
The club has, over the years, made a number of additions to the defensive position. Victor Lindelof arrived in 2017 and the Sweden international has been a regular in the XI.
Harry Maguire signed for United in 2019 from Leicester City. The England international has since been made captain. However, the 29-year-old has not lived up to expectations.
Raphael Varane made his way through Old Trafford’s doors from Real Madrid last summer. The French national was not reliable to start in the previous campaign due to small niggles.
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Now, Ten Hag has added Lisandro Martinez to the squad. The Argentine has fit into the starting lineup straight away. Considering the competition for places in the side in recent years, Bailly has had a hard time getting into the side.
