Ivory Coast insist Eric Bailly joins up for African Nations’ Cup duty on the dot

THE Ivory Coast have refused Manchester United’s request to delay Eric Bailly’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Manchester United defender started against Middlesbrough on Saturday as the hosts came from 1-0 down in the 84th minute to win 2-1.

PA:Press Association

Bailly has only just returned from a long-term injury picked up against Chelsea earlier in the season and United boss Jose Mourinho wanted him available for the trip to West Ham on Monday.

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But he said: “Bailly goes to the national team. He has to be in the national team on the second of January. We asked them for him to be [there] on the third.

“They refused, so he cannot play against West Ham.

“I wish Ivory Coast to be champions because with these kind of decisions it’s because they are controlling every second, so for sure they are going to win the African Cup.”

EPA

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Mourinho’s side have won five Premier League games in a row and six in all competitions.

United take on West Ham at the London Stadium.

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The last league game between the two sides was West Ham’s final match at Upton Park last season.