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Raphael Varane was dealing with minor issue, hence his absence as Man United beat Brentford 2-1.
Manchester United left it late to secure all three points against Brentford last night, though the Red Devils did just about manage it – thanks to some Scott McTominay excellence.
Erik ten Hag was buzzing with the full-time result, though the game itself felt like a match where United just covered up their glaring weaknesses that continue to plague the squad.
For example, both Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans started this game, with Victor Lindelof playing at full-back. The situation became even worse when the Ice Man had to be subbed off with an apparent injury…
Raphael Varane was absent, which is unsurprising given his injury record. According to the boss, the United star is dealing with a minor issue. The good news is that he should be back after the international break.
“He couldn’t make the game, he had a minor issue,” Erik ten Hag explained.
“If it was two or three days longer [between matches], he could have made it but now it was too short.”
While it’s great that Varane should be back in a fortnight when United next play, it’s just another reminder that he’s always picking up this niggling injuries that will consistently ruin his season. When Lisandro Martinez is out for multiple months, the last thing you want to do is rely on the Frenchman to keep fit…
I love Varane and I believe United are a way better team with him in it, you just cannot trust him in these situations. He’ll constantly miss around 10-15 games every term and it’s now starting to have a negative effect.
It does explain why United could look to bring in a new centre-back in January, though I seriously doubt the funds are available to go there and sign a game-changing signing who United can slot in whenever needed. It’s exactly why the Reds signed Evans as a stop-gap.
Do you think Man United need another defender to cover for Raphael Varane? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
