Erik ten Hag will oversee a major overhaul of his squad this summer, with big changes already made and more in the works. Six players have left on free transfers, whilst Dean Henderson departed on loan earlier on Saturday.
The 52-year-old is targetting wholesale changes, with Tyrell Malacia, Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez among the players primed to strengthen the squad.
Martinez in particular could affect the hierarchy at centre-back. Eric Bailly, who made just four Premier League appearances last season, is one of the players United are open to selling, according to reports.
That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, who goes on to add that despite the club being willing to let him go, Bailly has no intentions of leaving the club.
Source close to the player says Bailly isn’t interested in going anywhere at the moment and prefers to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place. Is aware much will depend on Erik ten Hag’s plans. #MUFC https://t.co/Y1erLLOseK
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 2, 2022
Read more: Chelsea monitoring Frenkie de Jong situation as Man Utd close in on transfer
As per the report, United would prefer to sell the Ivorian but are also open to loan offers with an obligation to buy. The defender, on the other hand, is not interested in leaving and would like to stay at the club and fight for his place.
Furthermore, he is said to be aware that much of that will hinge on whether he is in Ten Hag’s plans for the upcoming season.
SN’s verdict…
Bailly is highly unlikely to feature regularly for United this season, with Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof all ahead of him in the pecking order.
The potential arrival of Lisandro Martinez, for whom United have launched a bid, would push him further down that list, leaving four centre-backs ahead of him. Even the most dramatic squad rotation would see Bailly struggle to get on the pitch in that case.
It remains to be seen whether Bailly’s stance softens as we get closer to the transfer deadline. Fulham, who won promotion to the Premier League in style, are said to be interested in him.
