Raphael Varane is expected to return for Manchester United in time for the FA Cup final.
Raphael Varane‘s season is not over. The late date of the FA Cup final on June 3 provides an opportunity for the defender to make his return.
Manager Erik ten Hag is confident. He was quoted via the club website: “I think so. Yeah Varane, for the cup final, he can return.
This is great news and could be a decisive factor for the final against City. It certainly helps with team selection.
Varane return solves two problems
Raphael Varane’s return would help Erik ten Hag in two different ways when it comes to selecting his team at Wembley.
No indecision over Victor Lindelof’s partner: Assuming Lisandro Martinez continues to be sidelined, Victor Lindelof should be an assured starter at centre-back.
The debate then turns to ask ‘who will partner Lindelof?’
Luke Shaw did just fine at Wembley against Brighton. The alternative is captain Harry Maguire. Shaw would be the more popular choice among fans.
If Varane is fit, this won’t even be a decision. The 2018 World Cup winner will slot in alongside Lindelof.
The final at Wembley is an occasion where Varane’s experience will be vital, just like he was against Newcastle. Harry Maguire can sit on the bench.
Manchester United can select first choice left-back: The knock-on effect of this is United won’t need Luke Shaw as a centre-back.
This means Shaw can start at left-back, in his favoured role. And right here, Shaw truly is Manchester United’s best left-back.
If you pick him at centre-back, he does a great job, but you often lose something at left-back. Raphael Varane’s return will solve this.
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