Erik ten Hag explains Raphaël Varane absence amid Manchester United XI change

Erik ten Hag explained why Harry Maguire started over Raphaël Varane as Manchester United defeated West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

In the early days of 2024, Manchester United have so far secured four victories and a draw, including a thumping 3-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.

Despite an unusual spate of injuries for Erik ten Hag this season, he managed to field what many consider his strongest lineup against Wolves, and made just one change as the club defeated West Ham a few days later.

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Speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag explained why Harry Maguire started over Raphaël Varane.

Speaking to MUTV, he said: “First of all, H (Maguire) was doing very well but picked up an injury, Raphaël is also doing very well, but a third game in.

“A small slot, we didn’t want to change too much it’s up to Harry to show his contribution, but we’re confident that he will.”

Varane did come on in the second half, but under unfortunate circumstances after Lisandro Martínez was forced off through injury.

”It seems bad, we have to wait and make the right diagnosis,” Ten Hag said when questioned on the injury. “At this moment, we are very sad.

“Hopefully, it is not too bad, but we can only pray. It looks like he has to sit some games out injured again.”

He continued: “It doesn’t look good. He is very sad, and we all feel for him. It’s a personal disaster.”