Man Utd star handed lengthy ban which could have major impact on the club's transfer plans

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has been handed a seven-match after a horror tackle during a Coupe de France game with loan club Marseille.

The tackle occurred on the 15 minute mark during Marseille's fixture with fourth tier side Hyeres, with Bailly mistiming an attempt to control the ball in the air and accidentally kicking opponent Moussa N'Diaye in the chest instead.

The Ivorian defender quickly raced over to N'Diaye to apologise, before the midfielder was stretchered off and taken to hospital, where he was placed into intensive care.

The following day, French outlet Le Parisien reported that the young midfielder was out of danger, but had suffered several fractured ribs and 'severe pain in the lungs and liver'.

Bailly visited N'Diaye in hospital following the tackle, and it was reported that the Manchester United defender went to the Hyeres dressing room to offer his shirt after the match.

The 28-year-old has now received a lengthy ban for the challenge - and it could have an impact on United.

Man Utd's Bailly handed seven-match ban

French football journalist Fabrice Lamperti has reported on Twitter that Bailly has been suspended for seven games by the French Football Federation (FFF).

As the ban is backdated to when the incident occurred, the Ivorian has already served his ban for two of the seven matches.

Pending schedule changes, he will next be available for Marseille when they travel to Toulouse in Ligue 1 on February 19.

The ban may affect United in their future transfer business, with Bailly currently on loan from the Red Devils.

That is because when Marseille brought him to the club in the summer, they agreed a future fee clause with United that was dependent on Bailly playing a certain number of games, as per The Athletic. The fee was set at €6 million, with Football Transfers claiming that the number of games was set at 50 per cent over the season.

He has played 12 games for Marseille in all competitions this season, and will miss further opportunities to add to that tally due to the ban. After he returns, his side will have 15 league games to play, plus any further cup games.

The deal is also dependent on l'OM qualifying for the Champions League. They currently occupy third in Ligue 1 - the final qualification spot - but will be unable to call upon Bailly until next month to help them take further steps towards their domestic goal this season.

Should the defender not move to Marseille in the summer, it would potentially take away from how much United can spend this summer. Throughout January, Erik ten Hag's side are initially focusing on low-price permanent signings and loan deals, with Burnley striker Wout Weghorst already through the door on a temporary basis until the end of the season.