Raphael Varane changes stance on Erik ten Hag and Man United situation

Raphael Varane has not started any of Manchester United’s last four games and there have been reports about the defender now having a ‘strained relationship’ with Erik ten Hag.

That information came from The Telegraph, although Ten Hag refuted the idea that there was any unrest with the Frenchman.

“Absolutely not,” stated the manager. “As I said, it is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships. I think Harry [Maguire] and Jonny [Evans] did well.

“What I said last year, Harry [Maguire] didn’t play a lot, so I was very happy with Rapha [Varane]’s performances. I have always been happy with his performance. But in this moment, Harry is playing very well and there is internal competition.”

That ‘tactical’ line has previously been said to be the reasoning behind Varane’s issues with the United manager, however, the latest reports suggest a change in stance on the issue from the defender.

The Athletic say that figures close to Varane say he has accepted that the decision to leave him out is a tactical one and pointed out there is always a way back for a player under Ten Hag.

Maguire looked certain to leave the club in the summer and now is producing consistent performances. He is being chosen ahead of Varane right now but the Frenchman will be looking to get back into the team soon.

United lost against Copenhagen last week and Varane came on as an early substitute for Jonny Evans, who was forced off through injury.

In the following game, Varane was left on the bench for the start as Victor Lindelof lined up next to Maguire.

“There are moments in certain games where they [Maguire and Varane] can play together and they have already proven they can do it. But the build-up is not that fluid when one of them is playing from the left centre-back position,” explained Ten Hag.