Erik ten Hag responds to Eric Bailly's comment on Man United 'favouring' English players

During his press conference this Wednesday, Erik ten Hag was asked if he'd pick a team based on nationality following Eric Bailly's controversial statement.

The Manchester United boss replied: "Not for me. That was last season, I wasn’t in charge so I don’t know the situation.

"You can see it like that. When a team is acting well and players are acting well – and we have more than 11 starting players – you stay in. That is clear.

"The team is improving and getting better but, on the other hand, for the players that are not now in the team at any moment can come in and do the job and maybe do it better than the ones in.

"You never know but do I know you need more than 11 players.

"I know we have a really good bench and when they come on they really contribute to the success we are having now. That is what we expect and I know they will all get their games."

Bailly sparked a massive debate among fans when he claimed United 'favour' English players in an indirect dig at Harry Maguire.

Under Ten Hag though, Maguire has been on the bench after two disastrous outings in our first two games of the season.

It remains to be seen if the captain returns to the fold when we play Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday.

Source: MEN