Raphael Varane’s possible return would be Manchester United’s best case scenario

Add as preferred source on Google

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a lift this weekend when Manchester United return to action.

The best possible scenario for Solskjaer in terms of personnel would be the return of Raphael Varane, which is at this stage, a possibility.

Speaking to MUTV ahead of kick-off against Liverpool, Solskjaer confirmed Varane had returned to the training pitch.

Solskjaer was quoted: “He’s been on the grass and who knows.”

The manager’s words offered no guarantees, but in a week of negativity, lets choose to be optimistic and consider that the door is open for Varane to make a comeback.

Would be a huge boost

Varane cost Manchester United a fee of just £34 million in the summer. It was a bargain for a player of his calibre.

Then just as he was settling in, Varane suffered a groin injury in the UEFA Nations League, which was expected to keep him sidelined for the rest of the month.

With United’s game against Tottenham on October 30, there is a possibility Varane could get ahead of schedule and make his comeback.

PremierInjuries.com cite Varane’s chances of playing this weekend at 50 per cent.

Getting Varane back would be crucial for United’s defence as it gives Solskjaer greater freedom to drop one of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof.

Both have been awful in recent games, and while Solskjaer seemingly does not trust Eric Bailly enough to start him in one of their places, Varane should be a different proposition entirely.

The Frenchman’s leadership and composure was missed at the weekend. United will be a stronger team for having him back fit, whenever he is healthy.

Solskjaer can’t make key error again

Amid the desire for change, Solskjaer can’t force it. He tried this before and it backfired.

His decision on Varane should be led on how many days training Varane has with the team. It is no use if he just trains on Friday.

Solskjaer tried this with Harry Maguire a fortnight ago and it backfired spectacularly.

United have key upcoming games against Atalanta and Manchester City. It may be more likely Varane makes his return in one of those games.

One way or another it will be important to get Varane back into the team, and Solskjaer’s job could even depend on it.

• Every former Man Utd player to play in MLS after Eric Bailly’s latest move
• Jason Wilcox has just shown why Amorim had to be sacked with pointed praise for Michael Carrick
• Newcastle’s £46m rejected bid proves that Man Utd have completed the best deal of the summer
• Michael Carrick might have provided a hint on Patrick Dorgu plans as transfer priority becomes clear
• Who is Tynan Thompson? Exciting Spurs wonderkid linked with move to Man Utd