Erik ten Hag explains 2 Man United line up decisions ahead of FA Cup clash vs Fulham

Raphael Varane misses out on the Manchester United squad to face Fulham in the FA Cup through injury but Erik ten Hag and the club are confident of a speedy recovery.

United will be eager to continue their impressive cup record this season and book their second trip to Wembley under Ten Hag.

After beating Everton, Reading and West Ham on their way to the quarter-finals, The Reds have a stern test against The Cottagers.

Marco Silva’s side are sitting in ninth place in the Premier League, with Alexander Mitrovic and former Red Andreas Pereira being two key men for the London-based side.

Visiting Old Trafford for this encounter, the Black and Whites could feel boosted by the absence of Raphael Varane from United’s squad.

He has made up a strong partnership alongside Lisandro Martinez in the heart of the defence at the Theatre of Dreams, with United being unbeaten since September at their home ground.

The French defender is missing out from the squad through injury. Although United do expect him to be back in action by the time they return to action following the international break.

“He’s injured, it’s always difficult to say but I think it’s something small, he will recover and will be back after the international break,” explained Ten Hag when speaking to MUTV.

Varane retired from international football earlier this year after he finished as runner-up at the 2022 World Cup with France.

Harry Maguire replaces him in the line-up this time around, however, in what is the Englishman’s first time starting consecutive games for the club since the opening two games of the season.

“You have to win the game and always you play your best team,” Ten Hag added.

Speaking on the combination of Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay in the middle of the pitch, the United boss was not worried that they haven’t played alongside each other yet.

“Of course, they have not played together but it’s like when Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen [played together] and that worked very well.”