Man Utd hero claims Raphael Varane now being ‘scapegoated’ after Jadon Sancho saga

Since his absence due to injury, Raphael Varane has scarcely appeared for Manchester United.

Former Manchester United star Louis Saha believes that in light of Raphael Varane’s recent absences, Erik ten Hag may be “scapegoating.” Since his recovery from injury, the defender has made limited appearances for the Red Devils; starting center-backs Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans have been given precedence over him.

Amid an uncertain start to the season, United have failed to persuade supporters of their progress with their performances at both ends of the field. Defensively, the Red Devils have labored, and Ten Hag’s situation has not been helped by injuries.

Due to the absences of Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Tyrell Malacia, the former Ajax manager has been compelled to rely on his peripheral players to fortify the defense. Varane, a France international, was among those temporarily absentees but has since returned to full fitness.

Despite being readily available, Varane has struggled for minutes and has been compelled to unsettlingly warm the bench; Ten Hag attributes this to “tactics,” which explains why Maguire and Evans have been selected more often than the former Real Madrid defender.

Saha, in reference to Varane’s omissions, disclosed that he suspects his manager may be using the 30-year-old as a scapegoat – in a manner similar to how Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo have both been subjected to the disapproval of the Manchester United manager. “It could be a breakdown in the relationship between the player and manager,” he told Betfred. Although I am aware that he has endured numerous injuries, he must be given the opportunity to recover from a spell-out.

“While it is accurate to say that competition is essential for all, excessive interference with the defense is inappropriate given that it provides a firm foundation. Raphaal’s dismissal is beyond my comprehension; therefore, something may have been discussed behind closed doors. It appears that he is being utilized as a scapegoat, which is not to my liking.

“Therefore, in the absence of another defender exhibiting exceptional performance, I could comprehend the rationale behind the decision to dismiss him. Really, nobody has stood out. Because adjustments must be implemented when a team is performing poorly, I hold the manager’s decision in high regard.

“However, one area that should not be compromised is the defense, as it can place undue pressure on the goalkeeper, particularly André Onana, who is new to the Premier League.” The circumstances surrounding Raphaël’s dismissal in the last couple of weeks are incomprehensible to me.”

It is uncertain whether Varane’s ongoing difficulty in gaining playing time will ultimately cause him to leave Old Trafford, given the Saudi Pro League’s interest. Ronaldo left United last year in the wake of a public dispute with Ten Hag, and Sancho appears poised to do the same in the January transfer window after claiming he was being “scapegoated” by his manager after the Red Devils leader criticized his training levels.