Manchester United defender Raphael Varane will have a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow’s big game against Liverpool.
Varane has emerged as a key figure in United resurgence this season. Starting 12 of their 17 games since the World Cup, the 29-year-old has built a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez.
But according to The Daily Mail, there’s a chance that Erik ten Hag may have to break up his preferred centre-back duo against Liverpool.
They report that Varane has been struggling with ‘leg pain’ in recent days. As a result, the former France international will be assessed after breakfast tomorrow morning.
United are said to be ‘hopeful’ that their No.19 will still be fit to face Jurgen Klopp’s side. Should Varane not make it though, it’s claimed that either Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof are ‘likely’ to step in.
Liverpool boosted by Varane absence
Were it not for injuries, Varane would likely have made much more of an impact than he has at United. In similar fashion to Liverpool’s very own Thiago Alcantara, the superstar centre-back hasn’t shown his best since arriving in England for £34m.
Recently though, that has started to change. Able to get a good run in the side and build up a partnership with Martinez, United are starting to see the best of the World Cup winner.
Therefore, it would surely be of benefit to Liverpool to have Varane miss out at Anfield. Although Lindelof and the much-maligned Maguire are decent players, neither has the quality of the former Real Madrid stalwart.
Varane missed out on both games against the Reds last season, which famously led to a 9-0 aggregate score for Liverpool. He did however play the full 90 minutes of United’s 2-1 win earlier this campaign.
So, Ten Hag has an alarming precedent of his team facing Liverpool with and without their defensive leader.
Of course, the two teams are both very different propositions to what they were back then. United will feel confident right now whoever they are able to put out on the pitch. With Liverpool a little wounded from the way the season has panned out, they’ll fancy their chances at Anfield regardless. Let’s show them, Reds!