Eric Bailly has called out Manchester United for previously favouring English players in a rather damning rant.

The Ivorian defender left Old Trafford in the summer to join Marseille on loan and he'll return to England on Wednesday night with the Ligue 1 outfit.

Marseille play Tottenham Hotspur in their first Champions League group stage match of the 2022/23 campaign and Bailly has spoken very openly about United ahead of the fixture.

The former Villarreal man believes he wasn't given the opportunities he deserved at Old Trafford, boldly stating that the team was negatively impacted by players who took it for granted that they would start.

Bailly thinks Man Utd manager favoured English players

"The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance,” Bailly said, per 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.”

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag after the 3-1 win over Arsenal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on September 04, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Ouch. Bailly sounds as if he's referring to players like club captain Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, who've endured an incredibly tough time at United ever since Euro 2020.

Maguire and Shaw were still regular starters last season, but Erik ten Hag made the bold decision to drop both of them from the starting XI after the 4-0 thrashing at Brentford.

Bailly actually spoke positively about the new United boss, although his arrival from Ajax still wasn't enough to keep the player at the club.

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Ten Hag offered Bailly game time in 2022/23

Eric Bailly in action with Man Utd

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Eric Bailly of Manchester United gestures during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Optus Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

“I met Erik Ten Hag in the dressing room at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract,” Bailly added. “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.”

Bailly went on to explain that much of his lack of consistency at United was down to the fact he wasn't given enough minutes on the pitch. The all-action defender played just seven games last season, with only four of them coming in the Premier League.

“I was [José] Mourinho’s first signing and I also had good moments where titles were won,” the 28-year-old said. “I played important games and in some I was chosen as the best player. I think when I was given the opportunity I rose to the occasion. I just lacked consistency, because I think I deserved more minutes.”