Manchester United defender Rafael Varane is set to feature against Fulham after being out due to an injury

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is expected to play against Fulham as per the update given by manager Erik ten Hag. On the other hand, Victor Lindelof will miss the game after falling ill.

The game comes on the heels of our stunning 3-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. Varane sat out the midweek clash but is now set to return to the fold. Speaking on his availability, here is what Ten Hag had to say.

“Varane is ready to play. So he will be travelling with the squad. Just Victor Lindelof [is a doubt]. Some illness, we have to see if he’s ready tomorrow.”

With Casemiro sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring problem, United have suffered yet another setback. The Brazilian midfielder, who had just recently made a full recovery from an injury, left the game against Newcastle at halftime and has since been declared out for the foreseeable future. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Amad Diallo are all currently on the sidelines for the Red Devils.

In the Premier League games so far, United has won five and lost five. We were humiliated 3-0 by Manchester City at Old Trafford last week and the time is now to get back to winning ways. Although Ten Hag’s position is still up for debate, there is little to suggest that he will be given the boot. Given that United has had its worst start to a season in 61 years, Ten Hag is certainly under increasing pressure to turn things around.

With Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire manning central defence during the Manchester derby, Lindelof started at left back in ten of United’s previous twelve games. This season, Lindelof has been a vital member of the United team, particularly in light of Lisandro Martinez’s injury absence.

Varane is easily our most high-profile centre-back and has a wealth of experience. Having him back will certainly aid our cause and hopefully make the backline difficult to breach. Whether the 30-year-old Frenchman will make the playing XI or settle for a spot on the bench remains to be seen.

More Manchester United News-

• Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shared his confidence in the “fighter” Antony to deliver good performances.
• BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton predicted a Manchester United draw against Fulham in Saturday’s Premier League showdown.
• Manchester United are interested in signing AC Milan striker Rafael Leao

While attack certainly wins games, it is the defence that helps build a championship-winning side. We are nowhere close to being the latter but the rearguard needs to be addressed if we are serious about challenging.