Just right after the recently concluded international break, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has once again caught the attention of the media and fans. But this time, only to clear the air regarding his relationship with French defender Raphael Varane.
Varane, who was reported to leave Manchester United by the end of the season because of his growing frustration within the squad and Erik ten Hag in general, has somewhat been defended by his boss in front of the media.
However, during a recent press conference, ten Hag voiced his opinion on the situation regarding Varane. The Dutch manager was being asked to comment on the exit of Varane.
He replied, “Raphael Varane and his exit? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Rumors. He’s a very important player, but there is internal competition.”
🚨🔴 Erik ten Hag: “Raphael Varane and his exit? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Rumours…”.
“He’s a very important player, but there is internal competition”. pic.twitter.com/Rfldbwfwjg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 24, 2023
Tensions between Erik ten Hag and the French defender started to grow after the Manchester United versus Manchester City game on October 29. United suffered a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. The Dutch manager, ten Hag, chose to play 35-year-old Jonny Evans instead of fully fit Varane. He claimed it was a tactical decision, but it wasn’t well received by most fans.
Varane, who is supposed to be United’s first-choice center-back, has not been playing as many minutes as expected lately, leading to reports that he may move to Bayern Munich after the end of the season.
Although ten Hag believes Varane to be a pivotal member of the squad, he also made it clear that there is intense internal competition within the squad. It is for certain, that if Varane is to have a future at Manchester United, he’ll have to put in his best efforts just like he used to do it for Real Madrid.
Raphael Varane’s injury crisis has forced tactical adaptations at Manchester United
Raphael Varane’s stay in Manchester United so far, has been dealt with numerous injuries. Being out and out first choice for ten Hag, Varane has failed to stay fit for almost the majority of the season. With Lisandro Martinez also sidelined because of injury, Varane’s absence was badly felt at the heart of the Red Devil’s defense.
Jonny Evans, an experienced but aging player at 35 years old, has been given a challenging role in the team that is far from ideal. However, despite not being the first choice, Evans has demonstrated his ball-playing skills, which has convinced coach ten Hag to include him in the starting lineup.
🚨 BREAKING: The relationship between Erik ten Hag and Raphaël Varane is practically BROKEN!
A frank exchange of views took place after Varane was dropped for the Manchester derby last month. Varane is unhappy that Jonny Evans has been chosen ahead of him. #MUFC… pic.twitter.com/YBZeSSnx9V
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) November 24, 2023
One of the reasons why ten Hag has chosen Evans is because of Varane’s playing style. Although Varane is a world-class defender, he is uncomfortable with the ball, and his passes do not break the lines effectively.
In a team that prioritizes building up play from the back, these attributes become crucial. As a result, Harry Maguire, an expert in distributing the ball, has been preferred in the absence of Varane.
However, just like last season, the return of Lisandro Martinez could also see the return of Varane in the starting lineup given the Argentine’s passing ability which makes it easier to play from the back.