Ten Hag faces Man Utd dilemma after transfer decision - "It's a mess"

24 May 2023 , 20:09

528     0

Erik ten Hag is aiming to offload a host of fringe players in the upcoming transfer window (Image: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag is planning a ruthless overhaul of his Manchester United squad in the summer - which means a host of fringe players are likely to be moved on.

Already, the likes of Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay have been touted as players who could be sacrificed to raise further transfer funds for Ten Hag, who is still none the wiser over how much he'll have to spend in the upcoming transfer window.

But the Dutchman will also be mindful that he could be lumbered with some unwanted personnel if there is insufficient interest in some members of his squad - including those who have spent the 2022/23 campaign away from Old Trafford.

One player who could fall into that category is Ivorian defender Eric Bailly, who has spent the season on loan at Marseille.

The 29-year-old made the switch to France after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford in a deal that included a clause which would make the move permanent if certain thresholds in terms of appearances were met.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

However, Bailly has struggled to live up to expectations in Ligue 1 - and French outlet La Provence confirmed last month that Marseille have already decided that they will not be pursuing a permanent deal for the centre-back, who will instead return to Manchester United once the current campaign concludes.

And while United will still be open to permanent offers to offload Bailly, his underwhelming stint in France could deter any potential suitors - leaving both him and Ten Hag in limbo.

Join the debate! Do you think Man Utd will be able to sell Bailly in the summer transfer window? Let us know here.

Eric Bailly is set to return to Manchester United in the summer (Jonathan Moscrop)

Bailly's former international manager Patrick Beaumelle has now spoken out in defence of the Ivory Coast star - even though he admits that the defender's career is now effectively in tatters as a result of his underwhelming stint in France.

“It’s a mess. He remains and will remain one of the best defenders I have known,” Beaumelle told Africa Foot United.

“It’s a shame because a 100 per cent Bailly could have helped the team to grab points to be second. He has not always been 100 per cent, it is perhaps the fault of bad luck, when he loved Marseille and would have appreciated being part of this project.”

Bailly still has one year left to run on his current contract at Old Trafford, meaning he could be forced to sit on the sidelines if nobody is willing to strike a deal for his services. The defender has clocked up over 100 appearances for United since signing for the club in a £30million deal from Villarreal back in the summer of 2016.

Dan Marsh