Erik ten Hag praises Raphael Varane after Manchester United beat Everton 2-1

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Erik ten Hag reserved special praise for Raphael Varane after the Frenchman played an “important” role in ensuring Manchester United held on to victory against Everton last night.

After missing the 3-2 victory against Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday, the 29-year-old was named on the bench against Frank Lampard’s Toffees.

The former Real Madrid man had suffered an ankle injury in the first half of the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City last Sunday after blocking a shot from Phil Foden.

Despite being fit enough to return for the trip to Goodison Park, the former Ajax manager opted to keep the faith with Victor Lindelof who partnered Lisandro Martinez.

Ten Hag praises Raphael Varane after Manchester United beat Everton

With the Dutchman’s side facing an aerial bombardment in the closing stages on Merseyside, Ten Hag decided to bring on the World Cup winner.

United’s number 19 slotted into the backline with Lindelof and Martinez playing either side of him.

And in Varane, United had a leader who would marshal the troops and make some crucial interventions to ensure the Red Devils returned to winning ways in the Premier League.

The four-time Champions League winner was only on the pitch for a matter of seconds, but he made two clearances, blocked one shot, and won one aerial duel.

The Frenchman’s positioning was exemplary and his ability to sniff out danger was priceless for Ten Hag’s men.

Ten Hag has previously lauded Varane’s leadership qualities, and the Frenchman more than came up trumps for the 52-year-old during his cameo against the Toffees.

Following the win against the blue half of Merseyside, Ten Hag reserved special praise for Varane’s vital contribution in gaining three points against Frank Lampard’s side.

Speaking to the club’s website, Ten Hag said: “Once again, we are also happy with all the subs that have come on. Cristiano [Ronaldo] making the winning goal, but also Scott [McTominay], Rapha [Varane] was on at the end.

“You mentioned some difficult situations and you can see how important Rapha is there with his organisation and his heading capacity.”

With home games against Omonia Nicosia and Newcastle United ahead in the coming days, Varane will be looking to reclaim his place in the starting line-up alongside Martinez.