Eric Bailly has accused Manchester United of preferring English players in a dig at the club after being loaned out to Marseille.
The 28-year-old defender, who signed for the Red Devils in 2016, believes that more foreign players should be given a chance at Old Trafford and hopes new manager Erik ten Hag will move away from the alleged favouritism.
"The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance," Bailly, who was shipped out during the summer transfer window as part of a mass exodus orchestrated by Ten Hag, claimed. "[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, Ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that dynamic."
Bailly made 113 appearances over the course of six injury-hit campaigns with United and was Jose Mourinho's first signing as boss. The Ivorian centre-back left Villarreal for a fee in the region of £30million. After a positive first season in which he helped the Red Devils win the Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League. injuries derailed Bailly's Old Trafford career.
The Ivory Coast international found consistent minutes and form hard to come by thanks to a slew of issues which began in late 2017, including a serious ankle injury which kept him out for four months. Having failed to convince Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick after Mourinho was sacked midway through his third season, Bailly decided that this summer was his time to leave.
The eye-catching defender joined Marseille on a loan which deal will become permanent for a fee of £6m should the French giants qualify for the Champions League. Bailly's contract back in Manchester doesn't expire until June 2024, having agreed on new terms after reportedly being told that he'd receive more game-time under Solskjaer, an assurance which wasn't honoured.
He was even packing his bags at the end of last season, but Ten Hag convinced him to stay with United for their pre-season tour. "I met Erik Ten Hag in the dressing room at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract," Bailly revealed. "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.
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"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."
In a wider reflection on his time in England, Bailly added, via the Times : "I was Mourinho's first signing and I also had good moments where titles were won. I played important games and in some, I was chosen as the best player. I think when I was given the opportunity I rose to the occasion. I just lacked consistency, because I think I deserved more minutes."
