Manchester United loanee Eric Bailly has criticised the club for what he feels is an unfair bias towards English players.
The Ivory Coast international joined Marseille on a season-long loan this summer after falling down the pecking order at United.
Erik ten Hag made a wise decision to sign a new centre-back this summer, with Lisandro Martinez arriving from Ajax, and that meant Bailly was seen as being surplus to requirements.
The Argentine has made a huge difference at the back after taking Harry Maguire’s place in the starting line-up.
However, Bailly has done an interview to hit out at United by suggesting he was overlooked because of an internal issue that saw managers favour English players.
“The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance,” Bailly told 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.”
Martinez isn’t English. He’s just better.
Although Bailly didn’t name anyone in particular, I think we can all take a guess at who he is talking about because it sounds like a clear reference to Harry Maguire.
Marcus Rashford (also English) lost his place in the team last season, only to be replaced by Anthony Elanga.
Tyrell Malacia has replaced Luke Shaw at left-back.
This isn’t one of Bailly’s best interviews.