Bailly says some United players got too complacent about starting every game

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Eric Bailly has hit out at Manchester United’s selection policy during his time at the club and hopes Erik ten Hag will change it.

As per the Times, Bailly said some English players were always prioritised and that meant some players took their spots in the team for granted.

Last season, it was reported by the Telegraph that Bailly openly asked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer why he rushed Harry Maguire back from injury for the 4-2 defeat at Leicester.

Bailly does not name Maguire in the interview, but the inference is clear and fellow Three Lions stars Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also struggled last season.

He 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.”

Bailly shares Ten Hag conversation

Speaking of Ten Hag, Bailly also shared what the new manager said to him on his very first day as United manager.

“I met Erik Ten Hag in the dressing room at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract,” Bailly said.

“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.”

“I was [José] 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.”

There are perhaps some United fans who wanted to see Bailly get more chances, and others who thought Maguire and Shaw getting dropped by Ten Hag was overdue this season.

Rashford also struggled for form either side of Euro 2020 heartbreak, but is showing signs of improvement this season and of course scored twice against Arsenal on Sunday.

Bailly said he should have got more opportunities, but the problem often was that he was absent through injury or at the very least not match fit to step in.

The Leicester 4-2 loss is one example of where he could and should have played, but he will now hope to play regularly at Marseille, who kick off their Champions League campaign against Tottenham tomorrow night.