Erik ten Hag has eased injury fears about Raphael Varane and David de Gea.
Manchester United Football Club made it two from two in pre-season, with the Red Devils sticking four past Melbourne Victory.
The game itself was another entertaining watch, with some slick attacking football on display from those in Red Devils colours. Sure, United still have a long way to go before they’re anything close to the finished product, but the start under Erik ten Hag has been good.
During today’s game, there were two senior notable absentees. Both David de Gea and Raphael Varane missed the match. The former picked up an issue against Liverpool, while the latter played in that game. Varane’s problem came in training, according to the boss.
Thankfully, neither is thought to be serious, with De Gea already in training and Varane expected back imminently.
“David: you saw against Liverpool he fell out but he trains already, he is back on the training pitch, no big worry. Raphael also training but something small + I expect him back on the training pitch.” Ten Hag told the media, including Laurie Whitwell.
When De Gea pulled up limp against Jurgen Klopp’s men, it only reinforced the belief that United absolutely need to sign another goalkeeper this summer. Be it a loan, a veteran on a short-term contract or another young goalie who is ready to step up to the plate. The Reds simply cannot go into this campaign with just two senior shot-stoppers.
As for Varane, I have to admit real concern. The Frenchman struggled to stay fit for prolonged periods in 2021/22, while he’s already showing signs of being pretty brittle again here.
The strenuous Ten Hag system is physically demanding. I do wonder whether Varane’s fitness concerns are exactly why United want to bring in Lisandro Martinez this summer…
Do you think Varane will stay fit in 2022/23? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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