Erik ten Hag has responded when asked whether Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are fighting for the same spot in his team.
The Manchester United manager has promoted Harry Maguire to a first-team starter after it looked like he would be on his way to West Ham United over the summer.
Maguire’s move to David Moyes’ side never materialised and now the 30-year-old has become Ten Hag’s first choice, which is in stark contrast to where he was a few months ago.
As a result of Maguire’s good form, Raphael Varane, the established first choice of last season, has become a bench option.
So much so, that Varane’s short-term future at the club looks to be under threat.
Maguire and Varane
From the outside looking in, Erik Ten Hag prefers a left-footer or someone who is at least comfortable playing as a left-sided defender playing at the heart of the defence.
This is why Maguire and Victor Lindelof have played together and why Varane has not featured as much. Ten Hag, speaking to the United website, has explained his reasoning and whether the duo are fighting for the same spot.
“No. They can play together in certain games, ” the Dutchman explained, “but I thought from the start when I came in here, I want a player on the left side of my defence, who is comfortable on the left side of their foot because it gives you more and better angles and that is the reason I explained from the start.
“That’s why I [brought in] Licha Martinez, to have that left-footed [centre-back]. But we have, in our squad, players who can [play] left as well, of course, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw are capable of playing in that position.”
Varane’s future
It is becoming more and more clear as the weeks go by that Varane’s future at United may well not be secure. Varane is reportedly open to a move away from the club and could be sold next summer.
Ten Hag is already eyeing replacements with countryman Jean-Clair Todibo the favourite to come in and partner Lisandro Martinez.
It would be a sad end to his time in Manchester for the French defender who had become a fan’s favourite following his move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/OiLeVS7