Erik ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United center-back Raphael Varane won’t play for the club until after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is awful news for the fans.
Since the 6-3 loss to Manchester City, the Red Devils have played better, and despite a challenging schedule, the club has been able to produce results. Although the match between United and Chelsea finished in a draw, there were encouraging signs of teamwork and resiliency displayed by the players.
Varane and Lisandro Martinez’s solid defence has been one of the main factors in the team’s recent resurgence. The former’s injury forced him to leave the game against Chelsea at the hour mark, which naturally made the fans nervous.
Injuries have derailed Varane’s United career, and when he does play, the team performs significantly better, highlighting his actual value to the team. Ten Hag provided an update on the French star’s injury ahead of his team’s match against FC Sheriff. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said:
“Rapha Varane isn’t in the squad. He will be out, certainly until the World Cup so he will not play in this block [of games] for Man United.”
Six games are remaining for United to play before the World Cup begins: three in the league, two in the UEFA Europa League, and one in the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa. The upcoming games are unquestionably easier than what we had to endure during the first three months. Varane’s injury though does bring about an issue for the manager who is keen on his fullbacks being part of the attacking moves, which can leave the defenders open at times.
Varane’s speed and leadership, combined with Martinez’s aggression and perseverance, allowed United to handle the opposition’s counterattacks. However, without the French defender, it would be difficult to play in the same way because Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are not the most agile players.
In Varane’s absence, it is unclear who will partner the Argentine in defence. Many believe Lindelof will get the nod while Maguire is working to remain fit.
