Man Utd boss Ten Hag has been handed major injury boost ahead of Wolves clash
Ten Hag gives Man Utd team news update ahead of facing Wolves
Ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Wolves, the imminent return of Raphael Varane from injury couldn’t come at a better time. The France international is poised to feature in the showdown, having last played in a 2-2 draw with Sevilla last month. And with Erik ten Hag’s side needing victory over their opponents to boost their chances of Champions League football next season, they’ve now received the best news possible.
Manchester United had looked nailed-on to secure a top four finish after beating Aston Villa at the end of last month following a goal from Bruno Fernandes.
Yet successive defeats to Brighton and West Ham have left them looking over their shoulders, with Liverpool hot on their heels.
On Friday, Ten Hag revealed Marcus Rashford was a doubt for United. That’s a substantial blow, with the England international scoring 29 goals across all competitions this season.
But he also revealed Varane was ready to return.
“Rapha [Varane] is back, but we have doubts over Marcus [Rashford],” said the 53-year-old.
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“We are doubtful, more than doubtful. There is a big question mark over him.”
When Varane was sidelined as a result of his injury against Sevilla, Lisandro Martinez was also crocked in that same match.
The Argentina international is out for the rest of the season, with the Red Devils often deploying Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw at centre-back.
But while the pair have done well enough, Varane is an upgrade in virtually every way.
When the France international is fully fit, and operating at the peak of his powers, there’s arguably no better defender in the whole of world football.
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Some would argue he’s not the same Varane that helped Real Madrid dominate European football during his glittering spell at the Bernabeu.
Many even wrote him off as a flop after a difficult first year at the club in which he missed more matches than he played in.
But Varane, this season, has been outstanding.
The France international is a slick operator, while his speed and footballing intelligence also make him a big asset for Ten Hag.
United have started to look shaky at the worst possible time, with Liverpool on the rise following a difficult campaign under Jurgen Klopp.
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Yet Varane should bring some much-needed experience and composure to a side in desperate need of both.
For the match with Wolves, he could come straight into the side – perhaps partnering Lindelof, given the Swede is the natural fit for partner in crime.
And that would then able Shaw to return to his preferred position of left-back, with Tyrell Malacia dropping to the bench.
Malacia is yet to live up to expectations at the club since his summer arrival, fading after a bright start to life at Old Trafford.
Shaw, contrastingly, has been a consistent performer for Ten Hag and recently signed a new contract as a reward for his displays this season.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag wants United fans to sheer his side over the line against Wolves as they look to capitalise on home advantage.
“We feel fairly strong, but every time you have to do it,” said the 53-year-old.
“We know we have to act, but we are looking forward [to it].
“It’s always a pleasure to enter Old Trafford, the great ambience, the great bond we have with the fans, and we are looking forward [to it].
“[It’s] a strong opponent, but if we do our job, we have a good chance to win this game.”
He added: “Oh, I hope they bring a good mood and a good vibe.
“And we will do everything in our power to bring the result and to keep the three points at Old Trafford.”
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