Erik ten Hag denies any conflict with defender Raphael Varane

According to ESPN, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag denies any conflict he has with our French defender Raphael Varane. However, it won’t be any surprise if he did have an issue with the player since we already have seen the conflict Ten Hag had with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

Ten Hag said in an interview:

“Rapha Varane? I don’t know what you’re talking about, It’s rumours. Very important player, but there’s internal competition and there should be at a top club, as we are.”

The Frenchman was selected over Jonny Evans in the Manchester derby and has since been picked as a substitute in United’s following three games. The World Cup winner Varane was a regular last year after gelling well with Lisandro Martinez. Varane has had trouble finding opportunities this term.

Varane was a £41 million transfer from Real Madrid to United in 2021. He formed a solid relationship with Lisandro Martinez throughout the previous season. However, Erik ten Hag has consistently decided to omit the four-time Champions League winner from his matchday squads of late, despite his denials that he and the French defender had a falling out.

These reports came after rumours circulated earlier this month that Ten Hag and Varane were not speaking to each other. Ten Hag, though, disputes that and claims Varane is still a vital member of the team.

While Maguire and Varane can occasionally play together, Erik ten Hag might prefer to have a player who is at ease on the left-side of defence.

Luke Shaw, who is returning from injury, can also fill in there. Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans have all played there recently. By next summer, Varane, 30, will have a year remaining on his deal. Erik ten Hag is trying to get better at centre-back.

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However, it’s great news that there are no more problems off the pitch. Important fixtures are coming up and Varane’s involvement in the squad shall be very beneficial. We have seen how United’s defence was last season and we hope we can once again maintain the same kind of levels.