Erik ten Hag has insisted there isn’t any drawback in his relationship with Raphaël Varane and says the Frenchman’s lack of recreation time is right down to Harry Maguire‘s good kind.
Varane was first alternative within the centre of defence final season however has been named on the bench for 3 of Manchester United‘s final 4 video games, together with the 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester Metropolis.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
However requested whether or not there was a problem with the previous France worldwide, Ten Hag stated: “Completely not. As I stated, it’s about tactical the explanation why I selected these partnerships. I feel Harry [Maguire] and Jonny [Evans] did properly.
“Final 12 months Harry did not play loads, so I used to be very pleased with Rapha’s performances. I’ve all the time been completely happy along with his efficiency. However on this second, Harry is enjoying very properly and there’s inside competitors.”
Evans will miss the Premier League fixture towards Luton City at Previous Trafford, with United confirming Friday that the Northern Eire defender “might be out of motion for the following few weeks” after struggling a thigh pressure.
His absence leaves Ten Hag to decide on between Varane, Maguire and Victor Lindelöf. Varane and Maguire performed collectively for almost all of the 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday after Evans was substituted however Ten Hag hinted they don’t seem to be the perfect companions on the again.
“There are moments in sure video games the place they will play collectively they usually have already confirmed they will do it,” stated the United supervisor.
“However the buildup is just not that fluid when one among them is enjoying from the left centre-back place as a result of I feel Licha [Lisandro Martínez], clearly, Luke Shaw, clearly, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, they’re right-footed, however they will play actually comfortably with their left and make the correct angles, then you may assemble a greater formation the place you can begin to play.”
United recorded extra Premier League clear sheets than every other crew final season however have struggled defensively because the begin of the brand new marketing campaign.
Ten Hag’s crew have conceded 30 objectives in 17 video games and 10 of their final 4 matches. The Dutchman says a prolonged harm checklist hasn’t helped however admits his accessible gamers needs to be performing higher.
“Each time it’s important to swap your again 4, it’s tough,” stated Ten Hag.
“We had a brand new keeper coming in and each time you kind a brand new again 4 they usually know the foundations and ideas, however the routines are usually not the identical.
“Communication is so necessary, however that’s all split-second choices. You want that cooperation and also you want it 100% as a result of when it does not work, then you definately concede objectives at this stage.
“To date, I feel we might nearly by no means play the beginning XI I needed. However that’s by no means an excuse. We need to win video games and we now have good gamers throughout the squad they usually can all do the job.”
