Erik ten Hag provides update on Man Utd's centre-back crisis
By Sean Walsh
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have not yet returned to training, though they have been boosted by Harry Maguire's recovery from an illness.
The Red Devils returned to action with a win in the Carabao Cup against Burnley last week, though a shortage of centre-backs meant that Casemiro had to partner Victor Lindelof in defence.
Varane and Martinez have both been afforded extra time off after they reached last Sunday's World Cup final, and speaking to club media ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash at home to Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag provided an update on his defensive options.
''Returning from Rapha Varane and Licha Martinez, they are not there [back at United] but we hope on their comeback [soon]," he said.
"We had some problems with illness like Harry Maguire, but he was back on the training pitch today so I’m happy with that."
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth in the latest episode of Talking Transfers. This week they discuss Man Utd’s ongoing interest in Dutch duo Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de Jong, Josko Gvardiol’s future, Gabriel Martinelli and more! Available on all audio platforms.
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Ten Hag also discussed how United's other World Cup stars are settling back in to life at Carrington.
"The players from the World Cup are back, are integrated again and you feel they are excited," he added.
''[They had] massive impressions there [in Qatar], but now they are back, and you feel their energy. They are looking forward to the restart [of the Premier League]."