Erik ten Hag confims Raphaël Varane will NOT play at Old Trafford again ahead of Man United exit

Erik ten Hag has revealed when Raphaël Varane will play his last game for Manchester United and has reiterated the importance of success against Newcastle United in his pre-match press conference.

Following his announcement on Tuesday morning, Ten Hag has told journalists at his pre-match press conference ahead of The Reds Premier League clash against Newcastle United when Varane will play his final game for the club.

The Frenchman, who joined United in 2021, had formed a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martínez. However, regular injuries to both players limited the times at which fans could enjoy the defensive duo together.

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Currently sidelined with a muscle injury, the World Cup winner revealed in his farewell video that he will attend the final home game of the season on Wednesday evening, but Ten Hag has confirmed that he will not play.

When fully fit, Varane is an integral member of United’s backline, and although he won’t be playing against the Magpies, which is the club’s final game of the season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag is actively pushing for the 30-year-old to make an appearance before he departs in the summer.

“We plan [for] him definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game,” with United’s final match of the season being the FA Cup final against Manchester City. This confirms that Varane will not play at Old Trafford again, much to the dismay of fans.

However, the player did confirm that he will be in attendance on Wednesday evening to say goodbye to fans.

Before the trip to Wembley, The Red Devils’ last two Premier League games are crucial in their pursuit of European football next season, as both are must-wins away from Old Trafford.

This is not lost on Ten Hag who was adamant that victory was the only option against Eddie Howe’s men.

“It’s a very important game. You get the ranking, so it’s very important to get the win. We have to do everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it.”

Manchester United are just three points behind Newcastle, who are in sixth place, so Wednesday’s match is do or die.