Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Raphael Varane after the defender was withdrawn from the game against Nottingham Forest after just 45 minutes.
Varane’s substitution went somewhat unnoticed as it came at a time when United were still trailing the visitors, with two goals required to prevent an upset and back-to-back games without a win.
The former French international started the campaign by scoring the winner in the curtain-raiser against Wolves and Ten Hag will be desperate for his defensive lieutenant to recover from the latest setback.
Varane’s injury record does not fill you with confidence but as Ten Hag explains it, it does sound like his withdrawal was more of a precaution rather than anything else.
“He had complaints, we didn’t want to risk him,” Ten Hag said after the game about Varane, according to the Metro.
“We have Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, who could replace him, so we don’t take a risk. He had complaints and if it’s really bad I don’t know, we have to wait.”
Ten Hag called on Victor Lindelof to replace his injured star defender and although the Sweden international filled the spot without any issues, supporters will be hoping Varane is ready for next week’s trip to Arsenal.
United have a poor record away from home against the traditional ‘top six’ sides and Ten Hag will need his best players to turn those fortunes around next week.