Eric Bailly 'expected to leave' Man Utd this summer after Erik ten Hag pre-season snub

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is expected to leave the club this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Bailly spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Marseille, but did not make enough appearances to trigger an option for the French club to buy him.

He was handed a seven-month ban in January for an accidental chest-high kick that hospitalised his opponent, and started just two Ligue 1 games after his return to action the following month.

The Ivorian was one of a number of players that appeared likely to depart Old Trafford this summer, having suffered from a number of injury-hit seasons at the club.

Manager Erik ten Hag has been ruthless in the summer window so far, allowing goalkeeper David de Gea to depart the club on a free transfer. Left-back Alex Telles is also closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Now, the Dutchman's latest decision appears likely to signal the end of Bailly's United career.

Bailly 'expected to leave Man Utd'

United embark on a pre-season tour of the United States later this month - but Bailly will not be part of the travelling squad.

Taking to Twitter, Romano claims that the 29-year-old has been told he is not part of Ten Hag's plans at Old Trafford, and will not feature on tour in the States.

He wrote: "Eric Bailly, not part of Manchester United squad travelling for US tour as he's out of the project and expected to leave.

"Alex Telles, out of the list too as he's set to join Al Nassr once documents will be signed."

Eric Bailly, not part of Manchester Utd squad travelling for US tour as he’s out of the project and expected to leave.

Alex Telles, out of the list too as he’s set to join Al Nassr once documents will be signed. pic.twitter.com/Ku6xeamuJZ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023

The Manchester Evening News report that neither Bailly nor Telles have reported back to Carrington for the beginning of pre-season.

Centre-back Jonny Evans is another player not included in the squad, despite the Northern Ireland captain signing a short-term contract earlier this week.

The 35-year-old departed United in 2015, but has continued to play Premier League football at a high level and had been training at Carrington after his Leicester contract expired last month.

He made his second United debut on Tuesday, playing the second half of the 1-0 win over Lyon at Murrayfield. Whether he will feature in the club's pre-season friendly against Wrexham in the States is unclear.