Erik ten Hag has been warned that one of his key Manchester United stars is not the same player he once was and is “not mobile anymore.”
That is according to BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton, who has dropped a “truthful” criticism of one first-team Manchester United player under Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag has faced mounting criticism this season after an underwhelming campaign with the Red Devils, with United also struggling with a string of injuries.
United’s top-four Premier League ambitions are effectively over, with the Red Devils 11 points adrift of fifth-place Aston Villa and fourth-place Tottenham.
Ten Hag’s men were able to snatch a Premier League point on the weekend after securing a 2-2 draw against fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
However, it remains unlikely that the Red Devils will return to Champions League football next season, with Tottenham and Villa holding a sizeable lead over United.
Ten Hag could still end the season on a high note if the Premier League club capture the FA Cup trophy ahead of Manchester City, Chelsea and Coventry City.
The Red Devils will face Coventry City at Wembley later this month in the FA Cup semi-finals, with Ten Hag keen to ensure his side’s place in the final.
Sutton sends warning over Man Utd star
Erik ten Hag has struggled to keep a consistent Manchester United backline this season amid an injury crisis at Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez has struggled with injuries this season and the 26-year-old Argentine defender is currently sidelined after a calf strain in training.
Victor Lindelof, much like United teammate Lisandro Martinez, is also out of action after he picked up a hamstring problem in the 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Jonny Evans has also been absent from first-team action due to injury, while Luke Shaw has faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a long-term injury.
Raphael Varane is another player who has struggled with injuries this season, with BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton claiming that he is no longer “mobile.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 podcast, Sutton said: “Who have you really missed, though? Shaw and Martinez?
“Varane? Come on, Varane isn’t the player he was. He’s not mobile anymore, let’s be truthful.”
Varane at Man Utd this season
Raphael Varane was absent from the Liverpool draw on Sunday after he picked up a knock in United’s shock 4-3 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The 30-year-old French centre-back managed to play through the first half against the Blues before Ten Hag was forced to withdraw him for the second half.
Ten Hag was forced to turn to youngster Willy Kambwala for the Liverpool clash after the likes of Varane, Lindelof, Martinez and Evans were all absent.
Varane’s long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain amid his injury-hit season, despite being a key first-team player for Ten Hag.
The former Real Madrid star was widely hailed last season for his impressive defensive partnership with Martinez in the United backline.
However, Varane’s influence has waned in the current campaign and the 2018 World Cup winner has struggled to secure consistent playing time amid his injuries.
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