Ahead of their highly-anticipated Champions League clash with Galatasaray this evening, many Manchester United fans weren’t surprised to see Raphael Varane omitted from the team.
The Frenchman has not started either of United’s last two Premier League matches against Everton and Luton Town.
United boss Erik ten Hag last started Varane in their Champions League loss against FC Copenhagen.
Varane is behind Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire in the pecking order amid claims of a bust-up between the manager and the former Real Madrid star.
A piece from the Daily Mail claimed that the relationship between Varane and Ten Hag has completely broken down.
The Dutch coach has previously fallen out with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, and Varane is the latest to have drawn his ire.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Varane could leave Old Trafford in search of game time.
The four-time Champions League winner surely wants to play regularly and will be frustrated by the coach’s decision to leave him on the bench.
Varane has already been linked with a move away from the Red Devils and could find a sweet landing spot with his illustrious CV.
The former Lens centre-back is reportedly a target for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, while Saudi Pro League teams are also interested in him.
Three possible replacements for Varane
Antonio Silva
United are reportedly eyeing a move for Benfica defender Antonio Silva, who has been earning plaudits for his showings in the Primeira Liga.
The 20-year-old Portuguese international broke into the Benfica first team last season amid an injury crisis and kept his spot until the end of the season as they won the league title.
Silva has continued as a starter this term, helping Benfica to four league clean sheets after 11 games. He is a highly-touted prospect who could bolster United’s ranks for many years.
Jean Clair-Todibo
OGC Nice defender Jean Clair-Todibo has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford after impressing for a Les Aiglons side that have only conceded five goals this term.
The Frenchman has been highly rated since he broke out as a teenager at Toulouse before joining Barcelona. He struggled in Spain but has rebuilt his reputation and established himself as a France international at Nice.
Todibo would be a terrific addition to United’s backline if they snap him off Nice, who sit second on the Ligue 1 table. He’s a physically sturdy defender who can go up several levels in a United shirt.
Marc Guehi
Only Arsenal have kept more clean sheets than Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season, and a prominent player in that stingy backline is centre-back Marc Guehi.
Guehi has won 60% of his duels in the league this season while completing 85% of his passes.
The England international is a solid, no-nonsense defender with plenty of Premier League experience. He could seamlessly slot into United’s defence and bolster their ranks.
