Ten Hag and Varane clash over Manchester derby decision

The relationship between Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and defender Raphael Varane has reportedly hit a rough patch following a candid exchange between the two after the Dutchman’s decision to leave the former Real Madrid star out of the Manchester derby.

Despite Lisandro Martinez’s injury this season, Varane has found himself on the sidelines as Ten Hag favors Jonny Evans in the starting lineup. The French international, expecting to feature in the Manchester derby, was surprised to be benched in favor of Evans, leading to a heated exchange between him and Ten Hag.

This incident proved to be the breaking point for Varane, who expressed his frustration to Ten Hag. Despite Evans being injured, Varane has been limited to three substitute appearances since the derby, intensifying rumors of a potential January transfer to Bayern Munich.

Varane, who joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2021, has seen his playing time diminish under Ten Hag’s management. This recent clash follows Ten Hag’s fallout with Jadon Sancho, who is now reportedly on the verge of leaving the club in the upcoming year. The strained relationships within the squad add another layer of complexity to Manchester United’s season.