Manchester United drew 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League, thanks to a defensively astute performance.
Erik ten Hag‘s first-team squad were severe underdogs heading into the clash. Liverpool’s record against United was incredibly in their favour – so all signs pointed to a Jurgen Klopp win.
But, in all honesty, his side were poor. The Merseysiders failed to produce anything really of note to trouble Ten Hag and his coaching staff.
Saying this, the Red Devils still did defend superbly… and a lot of that can be put down to the Man of the Match.
Raphael Varane superb for Manchester United
Despite having just 18 minutes since the end of September in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag trusted Raphael Varane alongside Jonny Evans at the back at Anfield. The Frenchman responded to this rare start this season with a Man of the Match performance.
He was immense throughout and was a major contributor, alongside his centre-half partner, to United obtaining a precious point on the road from Old Trafford.
It now seems entirely baffling as to why Ten Hag left him out of the first-team frame for so long. Especially after the suspected reason why he was left out.
Varane bossed it in the very position Ten Hag thought he couldn’t play
The Athletic previously reckoned that Varane was so far down the Manchester United pecking order due to Erik ten Hag’s desire to play a left-footed centre-half on the left-hand side of defence.
That’s why it was ridiculously baffling that, with Harry Maguire out, the Frenchman featured in that exact role against Liverpool. Varane dominating in this position does make Ten Hag look a bit of a fool.
He had Varane at his disposal the entire time, without any injury problems, yet chose to leave him out as he didn’t believe he could play the system. How wrong he was.
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