Eric Bailly, a defender for Manchester United, has shared what manager Erik ten Hag said to him before he departed Old Trafford.
Bailly departed Manchester United this summer to sign a loan deal with Marseille of the French Ligue 1.
The Ivory Coast international played just four times for Man United in the Premier League last year after being passed over by both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
In addition, Bailly appeared to criticize Harry Maguire, who played frequently for Man United last season despite suffering in several games, as they prepare to play Tottenham Hotspur in their first Champions League match of the year on Wednesday.
“The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance,” Bailly said in quotes carried by 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.”
Bailly added, “I met Erik Ten Hag in the dressing room at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract.
“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.”
