Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insists that he won't select his teams based on nationality after on-loan defender Eric Bailly accused the club of having an English bias.
Following his move to Marseille for the remainder of the 2022-23 season, Bailly suggested that Ten Hag's predecessors - such Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick - were reluctant to select foreign players over their English teammates. The 28-year-old Ivorian added that he hoped Ten Hag would allow everyone an equal opportunity.
On Wednesday, the Red Devils boss responded to Bailly's recent accusations, which were labelled "absolute nonsense" by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
"I cannot say [anything] about that. I was not in charge last season," Ten Hag declared before being asked if a player's nationality would ever come into his thinking when selecting a team. "Not for me," the ex- Ajax manager replied.
Bailly's inflammatory comments came shortly after he completed his loan switch to the south of France in a deal which will become permanent for a reported £6million should Marseille qualify for next season's Champions League. "[United] should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance," the Ivory Coast international stated, via 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, Ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that dynamic."
Bailly was Mourinho's first signing when he was appointed boss in 2016, joining the Red Devils from Villarreal in a transfer worth around £30million. After six injury-hit campaigns and falling out of favour under all three of his previous managers, however, the flamboyant centre-back decided to pack his bags and leave Old Trafford this summer, despite having two years left on his contract.
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But after a conversation with his new gaffer, Bailly - who won three trophies at United - ended up on the plane for the club's 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," he explained.
"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. 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."
Further reflecting on his time in Manchester, Bailly went on to say: "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."
