Aheed Abrar
Erik ten Hag praises Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane for his cameo against Everton
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised Raphael Varane for bringing organisation and aerial ability to the backline against Everton. The Frenchman came on in the final minutes of the game at Goodison Park on 9 October.
Varane replaced Antony in the third minute of the second-half stoppage. The 29-year-old played about two minutes as the Old Trafford side tried to hold on to their one-goal lead.
Speaking to BT Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News) after 2-1 victory over Frank Lampard’s team, Ten Hag lauded Varane for keeping the defence solid. The Dutch manager hailed the French national’s ability to organise the backline.
“Rapha was, in the end… you mentioned some difficult situations and you see how important Rapha is there with his organisation and heading capacity.”
Everton took the lead early in the first half. Alex Iwobi scored a wonder strike from the edge of the 18-year-box to beat David de Gea. However, at the quarter-hour mark, Antony gave the Red Devils the equalising goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo came on for Anthony Martial in the 29th minute at Goodison. The 26-year-old went off after feeling a knock. And his replacement, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, gave the Old Trafford side the lead.
Ronaldo scored in the 44th minute after he was put through on goal by Casemiro. The Portuguese slotted past Jordan Pickford for his 700th club career goal. It also opened the 37-year-old’s account for the 2022/23 Premier League season.
The second half against Everton did not see much action apart from Marcus Rashford’s disallowed goal. However, in the final moments of the game, the Goodison side tried to snatch a point from the Red Devils.
By the end of the fixture, we had five players at the back, with Casemiro and Scott McTominay shielding the defence. Varane made some important interceptions and clearances to deny Everton any joy.
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Hopefully, the game indicates the France international is fit and ready after limping off before halftime against Manchester City. It remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old starts against Omonia Nicosia on 13 October.
