Manchester United's Raphael Varane facing six weeks on the sidelines?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 August 2023

Man United's Raphael Varane facing six weeks on the sidelines?

Manchester United could be without Raphael Varane for the next six weeks due to the injury that he suffered against Nottingham Forest, according to a report.

Manchester United could reportedly be without Raphael Varane for the next six weeks due to the injury that the centre-back suffered against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Varane was replaced at the interval of his side's 3-2 victory, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag revealing after the match that the former France international "had complaints".

"He had complaints. So we didn't want to risk him. We know we have Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, good replacements," Ten Hag told reporters during his post-match press conference.

"So we don't take the risk, but what the complaint is and if it is really bad, we don't know. We have to wait."

Man United are yet to officially confirm an injury for the 30-year-old, who has had his fitness problems since arriving at the 20-time English champions from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.

Raphael Varane celebrates scoring for Manchester United on August 14, 2023 © Reuters

However, according to Sky Sports News, Varane could be on the sidelines for up to six weeks with the injury, which will lead to Maguire staying at Old Trafford.

Maguire has been heavily linked with a move away from the Red Devils this summer, with West Ham United, at one stage, thought to be close to securing his signature.

However, the England international is now set to stay with Ten Hag's side, with Varane's potential six-week injury meaning that the club are no longer willing to let him depart.

Ten Hag is likely to provide an update on Varane's fitness when he speaks to the media on Friday ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Raphael Varane scores for Manchester United on August 14, 2023 © Reuters

Should Varane be absent against the Gunners, Lindelof would be in line to feature alongside Lisandro Martinez in the middle of the defence, with Maguire again on the bench.

A six-week absence would also see the Frenchman miss out against Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brentford in the Premier League, before potentially returning after the October international break.

Man United have made an underwhelming start to the season in terms of their performances, but they have managed to win two of their opening three games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Forest.

Ten Hag's side could be handed a fitness boost this weekend, though, with new signing Rasmus Hojlund expected to be involved in London, having seemingly recovered from a back issue.

Man United continue to work on new signings in the latter stages of the transfer window, with a goalkeeper, left-back and central midfielder potentially all arriving before the market closes.