Raphael Varane has revealed that a ‘robust discussion’ with Erik ten Hag led to his two-month absence from the Manchester United lineup.
Varane joined Manchester United in 2021 but faced a challenging debut season under multiple managers, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ralf Rangnick.
In April 2022, Ten Hag was appointed as the permanent manager of the Red Devils, taking over after Rangnick’s interim period.
Under Ten Hag, Varane quickly became a key player, making 34 appearances across all competitions, though he missed 14 matches due to injuries.
Varane started four of the first seven league matches in the 2023/24 season, suggesting he would continue to play an important role.
However, from October to December 9, the four-time Champions League winner did not make a single league start despite being fit, playing only 18 minutes through three substitute appearances against Sheffield United, Luton Town, and Fulham.
One notable match where Varane was an unused substitute was the 3-0 defeat to cross-town rivals Manchester City on October 29.
Ten Hag later stated that his decision to keep Varane on the bench was due to ‘tactical reasons’.
However, Varane clarified in an interview with The Athletic that this wasn’t the complete story. “We had a robust discussion,” he explained.
“We expressed some truths, but then I didn’t play for almost two months.”
Varane continued, “I expressed my disagreement regarding certain methods affecting the relationship between him and the team. It wasn’t beneficial for the team, as some players were dissatisfied, impacting the coach-player dynamic.”
“He acknowledged my concerns, but afterward, I found myself sidelined.”
Varane eventually returned to United’s starting lineup on December 17 against Liverpool, contributing to a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw. However, he missed the following match against West Ham due to illness but started 11 of the next 12 fixtures.
Regrettably, a muscle injury sidelined Varane for the next eight matches across all competitions.
Nonetheless, he made a comeback in time for United’s FA Cup final against City, where he started in a surprising 2-1 victory.
This match marked Varane’s last appearance for United, as he mutually agreed to part ways with the club during the off-season.
As for Ten Hag, he remained until October, when the Red Devils decided to dismiss him.
Recent fiscal reports indicated that giving Ten Hag a new contract and then terminating it shortly after cost the club £14.5 million.
Varane had anticipated this decision, particularly due to the ‘complicated’ relationship between Ten Hag and his players.
“It’s hard to find the right words,” Varane remarked.
“It was very tense at times. Sometimes he would listen to player feedback, but other times, he made decisions without considering our feelings. There were clear ups and downs throughout.”
Despite Ten Hag’s exit, United’s situation hasn’t improved under his successor Ruben Amorim, as the club currently sits in 15th place in the Premier League.
Amorim will aim to initiate a turnaround when his team faces Everton on Saturday.
