Jamie Carragher has told Eric Bailly that Harry Maguire is a better defender than him after the Ivorian claimed that Manchester United favoured homegrown players ahead of international recruits.
The centre-half is on loan at Marseille for the season after slipping further down the pecking order at Old Trafford upon the arrival of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. The Argentine, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and club captain Harry Maguire are all considered ahead of him in the selection list.
Erik ten Hag convinced Bailly to stay for the summer tour, but his heart was set on an exit as he faced limited minutes under the new boss. Some are taking his outburst as a sly dig at Maguire, who received repetitive criticism before being dropped by Ten Hag.
READ MORE: Eric Bailly accuses Manchester United of favouring English players
Bailly – whose United contract expires next summer – said : “The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance. [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.”
He added: "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.”
Carragher blasted Bailly for his comments, highlighting his injury record and describing him “poor”. He also claimed Maguire is a “better player” than the 28-year-old.
He tweeted: “Absolute nonsense, Eric Bailly has been injured consistently and poor when he has played. That’s why they keep buying players to replace him! Harry Maguire is a better player.”
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