Manchester United are still hoping to sell both Eric Bailly and Donny van de Beek, according to ESPN.
While the UK’s transfer window closed on Friday evening, transfers to both Turkey and Saudi Arabia are still possible. Since the ESPN article was published, it has been officially confirmed that Bailly has joined Besiktas.
Fans on X had a mixed reaction to Bailly and van de Beek leaving Old Trafford. Some feel Bailly, in particular, could have been an option to provide cover at centre-back:
Get them out of our club.
— . (Fan Account) (@S4nchoUTD) September 4, 2023
Isn’t it mad we chose to bring Evans back instead of using Bailly…
— James 🤷🏻♂️ (@Unlocked_James) September 4, 2023
They should just get them off ASAP
— Ayo (@ayoishome) September 4, 2023
To do what with the money pocket it 😭
— BrandonSX (@brandondidier11) September 4, 2023
Keep bailly
Sell Marguire— chukwu 🌴 (@don_marrtyynz) September 4, 2023
I’d rather Bailly stays than Maguire and Evans..but what do i know? 🤷🏾♂️
— enigma (@tanganyican) September 4, 2023
We have loads of dead weight sha
— Favourite Edo Boy 🦇🦇 (@iamjshadow1) September 4, 2023
Neither player had a future under ten Hag
In terms of Bailly, his time in Manchester was clearly at an end, having been frozen out by manager Erik ten Hag.
The Ivorian international was not included in travelling party for the summer tour of the US and he had been training with the reserves before sealing a move to Besiktas. He spent last season out on loan at Marseille but he struggled to make an impact, making just five league starts in total.
Van de Beek, meanwhile, has not featured in a matchday squad so far this campaign. There was talk of a loan move to Real Sociedad but discussions over a switch to Spain collapsed before deadline day.
United are still trying to balance the books
Financial Fair Play restrictions meant that the club had to be creative to bring in more players ahead of the transfer deadline. Sofyan Amrabat was snapped up on loan with an option to buy next summer, while Sergio Reguilon also arrived on a temporary basis from Tottenham.
Getting rid of both Bailly and van de Beek will free up some room if United need to make more additions in January.
