Many players have thrived after leaving Manchester United in recent years while others have seen their careers fall apart.
Gary Neville recently described Old Trafford as a “graveyard” for players, with several big talents arriving at Manchester United and struggling to fulfil their potential.
United’s recruitment has been deservedly criticised over the past decade, with former manager Jose Mourinho irritated by the lack of transfer activity during his time in charge.
Mourinho made an extraordinary rant about United’s sales in 2019, when he famously said: “See how they play, if they play.”
The legendary Portuguese coach has often been proved right about United years after his exit, but one of his favourite players from his time at Old Trafford has seen their career take a dive.
Eric Bailly in action for Manchester United in 2021.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Eric Bailly released two years after Man United exit
Back in 2016, United signed Eric Bailly for £30m as Mourinho overhauled the squad with the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba.
Bailly showed glimpses of brilliance throughout his time at Old Trafford, but injuries often plagued Bailly’s progress and he made just 113 appearances across his seven years at the club.
Eventually, United let Bailly leave for free in 2023 and after a short stint at Besiktas he re-signed for Villarreal.
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However, two years after his United exit, Bailly has now been released by Villarreal as a free agent after his contract expired on June 30th.
Villarreal CF and Eric Bailly part ways after a season and a half in his second spell with the Yellows.
Thank you, Eric, for your commitment, dedication, and professionalism every time you wore our shirt.
Best of luck in the future 💛! pic.twitter.com/IOwteXmMxL
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) July 1, 2025
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Bailly made 12 appearances for Villarreal in the 2024/25 season, spending the second half of the season as an unused substitute.
Bailly played alongside United academy product Willy Kambwala at Villarreal, but now the 30-year-old defender finds himself looking for a new club.
Eric Bailly was loved by Jose Mourinho at Man United
After Bailly joined in 2016, Mourinho paid the young defender a huge compliment.
“Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent,” Mourinho said. “He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.”
In 2018 when Bailly featured in a pre-season match, Mourinho also raved about his mentality and team-first attitude.
As quoted by ManUtd.com, Mourinho said: “He is a team boy, he is a great boy.
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“He is an honest man, always ready to give everything for the team. That is why we have him, why we still have him and why he is going to stay with us because football teams need people like him. This kind of people where the club is more important than anything else.”
Bailly became a fan favourite at Old Trafford for his passion on the pitch, but he will be remembered as a player held back by his injury problems.