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Two Manchester United Defenders are Set to Leave the Club in the Summer Transfer Window

Eric Bailly, Phil Jones

According to recent reports, Manchester United centre-backs Eric Bailly and Phil Jones have told their teammates about their intention to leave the club in the summer transfer window.

Despite United’s defensive plight, Ralf Rangnick has decided to stick with underperforming defenders in the backline. Bailly has been aggrieved by his paucity of opportunities, having started just five games this season. He has expressed his resentment over the favoritism of some players, primarily referring to captain Harry Maguire.

The 27-year-old indicated his displeasure openly when Maguire was dropped from the starting XI against Arsenal. However, it was Lindelof who started beside Raphael Varane instead of the Cote d’Ivoire international. Moreover, he has fallen below Phil Jones in the pecking order, with the Englishman starting in the back-three against Liverpool last month.

Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Manchester United
Image obtained via The Sun

As reported by Manchester Evening News, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones have clearly mentioned their desire to leave Old Trafford this summer. Both the defenders want a move away from the club amidst the growing reports of a new centre-back signing. Moreover, it is further believed that both players are tipped to leave the club without waiting for new manager Erik ten Hag.

According to The Times, the Ivory Coast international stated his desire to leave the club if he doesn’t get enough game time in the future. He even made bold statements about his future at Manchester United saying:

“I’m aware that I’ve had a lot of injuries. But I’m back and I feel strong and fit.”

“I don’t want to be a starter for one game and a substitute for another five. If that happens, I will have to look for another solution. The new contract is fine but if I don’t play, I will be open to listening to other proposals.”

Eric Bailly struggled with his form even under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Being laced with injuries further reduced his game time. He wasn’t really a first-choice option for the centre-back position either because he lacked consistency. Moreover, Bailly’s deal was set to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season. He signed a new contract with the club until the summer of 2024, with an option to extend for a further year thereafter.

Until now, the Ivorian has made 113 appearances in six years for United across all competitions (stats via Transfermarkt). He has a single goal and a single assist to his name for the Red Devils and has won the Europa League, FA Cup, and an EFL Cup during this tenure.

Meanwhile, Phil Jones has also been bowing in and out of the team from recurring injuries. He made his first appearance, nearly after two years, during a 1–0 home defeat to Wolves. He also made a 15-minute cameo in United’s 3-0 win over Brentford. Having arrived from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, he has netted six goals and made over 200 appearances for the Red Devils (stats via Transfermarkt).

Manchester United To Bring In Replacements For Eric Bailly And Phil Jones?

One of the primary responsibilities for Erik ten Hag after joining United is to strengthen the defence. Thus, several reports suggest that Villarreal defender Pau Torres and Chelsea’s centre-back Antonio Rudiger are on United’s radar – despite the latter being expected to join Real Madrid in the summer.

Besides Eric Baily Bailly and Phil Jones, Manchester United will see several other players depart the club at the end of the season. Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata, Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba are also set to leave as free agents.

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As for United, who have caught themselves in knee-deep humiliation following the embarrassing 4-0 loss to Brighton, will certainly look forward to a squad overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Manchester United.

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