Erik ten Hag’s Harry Maguire comments show just how much Manchester United need Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane has been usurped by Harry Maguire. (Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Raphael Varane’s future at Manchester United is becoming more and more uncertain after a challenging few months.

Varane has only started one of United’s last twelve games in all competitions; that one was a 1-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen at the end of October, with Harry Maguire playing alongside him. Since then, Maguire has replaced the French international, and Erik ten Hag is eager to keep defenders playing their natural position to help his team build momentum.

Following their victory over the Danish team, there has been more talk about Varane’s future. On Thursday, The Independent said that United would consider offers for the 30-year-old. However, that does eliminate the possibility of a comeback, and the former Real Madrid player only needs to look at Maguire to see evidence of that.

When West Ham made a £30 million offer for Maguire in the summer, it appeared that he would eventually leave United. Ten Hag insisted that the opportunity would reappear in August, but the defender vowed to keep fighting for his spot after a deal fell through.

The Reds manager stated, “We need a good squad.” Luke Shaw is one of our five talented center halves, and we will need them as we play between 50 and 60 games this season.

We have a lot of ground to cover because every player is an international, so I’m glad Harry is here. We have built a squad with two [players] for every position, and we need it, so he must battle for his spot, just like everyone else in the squad.

“He has the final say. He is aware of my expectations of him. After a year, you already know what I look for in a center half. He is capable of doing it.

“I’ve said it numerous times before; now is the time for him to demonstrate his abilities. Then, it comes down to character; he has all the skills necessary to play that part, and it is up to him to seize the opportunity when it presents itself.”

Varane will be used if healthy, either as a starter or as a substitute, as United prepares for one of their busiest spells of the year. Despite his stellar play, Maguire, 30, is unlikely to start every game going forward.

Varane has demonstrated his abilities and character for United on numerous occasions, much like his teammate. Ten Hag’s remarks imply that United will require every member of their current defense throughout the entire season, so there is a chance for him to return.

Varane is responsible for staying in shape and being prepared when needed. The opportunity to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup won’t present itself until then. Nothing is ever certain, as evidenced by Maguire’s return from the shadows. Few appeared to be as lost as the England international.