Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has broken his silence on the fallout between him and Raphael Varane, MySportDab reports.
Erik ten Hag and Raphael Varane’s relationship has went sour over recent changes adopted by the Dutch in his Man United backline.
Varane, who played a key role in Erik ten Hag’s squad last season, is no longer the Dutch’s choice defender.
Early this season, Raphael Varane was still retaining his place as first-choice defender for the club but the tables have turned since he was sidelined due to injury.
Erik ten Hag has now reshuffle his defensive pairing at Manchester United with Harry Maguire, who struggled last season, becoming a regular starter alongside new signing Johnny Evans.
Varane has dropped down the pecking order as a result with his game time now diminished.
According to reports, the French defender has been unsettled by Erik ten Hag’s decision to start Johnny Evans in matches ahead of him and has made his grievances known to the Dutch tactician.
Despite his grievances, Varane’s Man United misfortunes has deepened with reports he was freaked out when he was dropped in first Manchester derby this season.
Varane and ten Hag reportedly made frank exchanges after the Manchester City match.
With his dwindling Man United fortunes, there have been rumors linking Varane to a possible exit from Manchester United this season with Bayern Munich interested in a move.
Now, speaking ahead of Man United return to Premier League action against Everton after the international break, Erik ten Hag has debunked rumors of Varane’s imminent exit but admitted it is not going down smooth in United dressing room.
In a quote shared by Fabrizio Romano, ten Hag said;
“Raphael Varane and his exit? I don’t know what you are talking about. Rumors…
“He is a very important player but there is competition.”
🚨🔴 Erik ten Hag: “Raphael Varane and his exit? I don't know what you're talking about. Rumours…”.
“He’s a very important player, but there is internal competition”. pic.twitter.com/Rfldbwfwjg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 24, 2023
Raphael Varane joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2021 and has been a key part of the squad. He has two years remaining on his Man United contract.
