Erik ten Hag reveals major Man Utd defensive boost for Wolves clash
Erik ten Hag has confirmed Raphael Varane is fit and ready to return to the Manchester United team in time for their Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday.
Former France international Varane has been sidelined with a foot injury since April's 2-2 Europa League draw with Sevilla. His absence was compounded by Lisandro Martinez being ruled out for the season at a similar time.
Victor Lindelof has been drafted in to partner natural left back Luke Shaw in the centre of defence in recent weeks.
Speaking ahead of Man Utd's clash with Wolves, Ten Hag confirmed a knock to forward Marcus Rashford alongside news of Varane's recovery.
Read the latest Man Utd news here
feed
He said: “He [Rashford] has a problem, an injury on his leg, so he is a big question mark for tomorrow. But we are happy Varane is back.
“[Rashford] is doubtful, more than doubtful. So [there is] a big question mark.”
The news of Varane's return is a big boost for United, who have lost successive league games to Brighton and West Ham and dropped below Newcastle in the race for Champions League qualification.
However, their league run-in is kind with three of their final four fixtures against current bottom half sides, and the Red Devils also have a game in hand of fifth placed Liverpool, who are a point behind.
Man Utd's record with and without Raphael Varane in 2022/23
Man Utd have drawn fewer games without Varane at the back - mainly due to his limited involvement in cup competitions - but his experience has been sorely missed towards the back end of the campaign.
His presence would have been a major boost in the second Sevilla leg which ended in a 3-0 defeat while cool heads were needed but not found in the losses to Brighton and West Ham.
However, Champions League qualification is within United's grasp now and Varane's return means he could Lindelof and allow Shaw to return to his natural role.
- | Games | Wins | Draw | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
With Varane | 30 | 18 | 7 | 5 |
Without Varane | 27 | 20 | 1 | 6 |
LISTEN NOW
On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette discuss Man Utd's recent slump in form and whether Erik Ten Hag has to shoulder some of the responsibility. If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!