Eric Bailly makes extraordinary Instagram plea to start ahead of Harry Maguire for Man United

Eric Bailly has made a plea to Ralf Rangnick to start ahead of Harry Maguire for Manchester United this weekend.

Bailly has played just seven times for United this season, and is yet to feature for the club since the turn of the year. His last appearance came in the 3-1 win over Burnley on December 30.

The Ivory Coast international has found himself falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, leading to suggestions he will leave the club this summer. Bailly is under contract until 2024, with the club holding the option of a further year, but he has been linked with the likes of AC Milan and Roma.

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His future at United was plunged into further doubt on Tuesday night when Rangnick picked Phil Jones to start ahead of him as part of a back five against Liverpool. Despite Raphael Varane’s absence through injury, Bailly was left on the bench as the visitors were thrashed 4-0.

With Varane set to be back in contention for Saturday’s trip to Arsenal, it looks increasingly unlikely Bailly will feature again this season. The 28-year-old though has made a desperate attempt to try and convince Rangnick to start him alongside the Frenchman at the Emirates Stadium.

After the club posted their latest set of training pictures on Instagram, a fan responded with the message: “Start Eric Bailly x Varane”. Replying to the supporter, Bailly said “please” along with a laughing emoji and a pair of praying hands.

The comment may not be received too warmly by Rangnick, who received criticism for his decision to play a back five against Liverpool in midweek. The plan was abandoned at half-time with