Eric Bailly has suggested he could still leave Manchester United despite recently signing a new contract — if he doesn't get adequate game time.
After a period of uncertainty over his future and a number of injury problems, United announced last month that Bailly had extended his contract until June 2024. The centre-back has been at Old Trafford for five years, though has struggled for consistent fitness and form in that time.
He is competing for a start in the Europa League final against Villarreal, with Harry Maguire ruled out injured, though Axel Tuanzebe could get the nod ahead of him.
Bailly has addressed his playing time in a new interview, particularly in the light of potential central defensive additions United are expected to make in the coming summer transfer window.
"Competition is always good to improve," Bailly told The Times. "I just say that I want to stay in case I get the chance to play. I don’t want to be a starter 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 listen to other proposals."
On the new contract, Bailly admitted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had played a major part in persuading him to stay at Old Trafford. The pair enjoy a healthy relationship and Bailly said Solskjaer spoke at length about why he should sign an extension.
He added: "I spoke to him and he told me he wanted me to stay. The most important thing was not the renewal but the conversation we had: we sat down, we talked and he told me what he wanted from me and that he wanted me to continue."
