25 July 2023 , 19:00
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Manchester United fans are convinced that Eric Bailly is set for an imminent move away from the club after an intriguing social media post.
The Ivorian defender has fallen down the pecking order over recent seasons. He joined French side Marseille on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy - something that was not taken up by the Ligue 1 outfit.
He has now returned to Manchester and with just one year remaining on his current contract, appears unlikely to have a future with the Red Devils. Spanish side Real Betis have already been linked with a move for him, whilst clubs in Saudi Arabia have been touted as potential suitors.
Now, Red Devils’ fans are convinced that he is on the way out of the club. Bailly posted a photograph of him leaving the club’s Carrington Training Base, alongside the caption “Done” with a green tick emoji. Responding to the post, one supporter said: “done at United yh,” whilst another fan wrote: "He’s Leaving."
Bailly was originally signed from Spanish side Villarreal back in 2016 under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho for a £30m fee. The 29-year-old was the club’s first-choice centre-back in his debut season but a succession of injuries have limited him to just 113 outings during his time at Old Trafford.
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Some supporters were left bemoaning his fortune when it comes to injuries as they responded to his post. One wrote: "If only he wasn’t injury prone… amazing defender." Another added: "Had the potential to be world-class! shame it didn't work for him!”
Eric Bailly got fans talking with his Instagram post (Instagram/Eric Bailly)
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Bailly has endured an uneasy relationship with United over the past few years after accusing the Red Devils of having an English bias when it comes to selecting their side . Erik ten Hag responded to those claims.
"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."
Should Bailly complete a move away from Old Trafford sooner rather than later, he would become the latest defender to quit the club. Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones have all departed over recent weeks.
Former club captain Harry Maguire could also be allowed to leave before the end of the transfer window. Premier League rivals West Ham and Tottenham have both been linked with moves for him. The Red Devils did however bolster their defensive options during the off-season with former defender Jonny Evans putting pen to paper on a short-term contract.
Elsewhere, Anthony Elanga has been allowed to join Nottingham Forest on a permanent basis and could be joined by fellow academy graduate Dean Henderson.