Eric Bailly all but burned his bridges with parent club Manchester United after criticising the club of favouritism towards England players.

The Ivorian centre-back is currently on a season-long loan at Marseille, with a £5million option to make the transfer permanent if he meets an appearances criteria and the French outfit qualify for the Champions League, after being plagued by injuries and falling down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

Ahead of Marseille's Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur, the 28-year-old seemingly took a jab at club captain Harry Maguire in particular.

"The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance," he was quoted saying by The Times.

"They 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."

However, Bailly had good words for current Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag, who started him during preseason and reportedly wanted him to stay at Old Trafford this season.

"Luckily ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that dynamic," he added.