Raphael Varane had to leave the pitch injured in the first half for Manchester United against Atalanta.

Losing Varane was a major blow for United after just getting him back from an injury sustained for France.

Varane went off in the 36th minute after going down off the ball.

Solskjaer told BT Sport: “He felt his hamstring and you can’t take any risks. He was such a calming influence.”

Atalanta v Manchester United: Group F - UEFA Champions League
(Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Full diagnosis still to come

United will be hoping there is a chance Varane will be fit for this weekend’s derby with Manchester City.

But is is probably very unlikely. Hamstring injuries can mean weeks out.

If this was just a precaution then United could get away with it, but the team should not take any risks.

 

There is an international break coming up and United will want to get Varane back fully fit afterwards, and potentially he could sit out France’s qualifiers.

United are hoping Victor Lindelof will be fit for this weekend, which may influence whether the team play with three at the back against City.

Eric Bailly was outstanding, outclassing teammate Harry Maguire, and he deserves to keep his place.

One positive aspect of Varane’s injury is that it was not a recurrence of his previous groin problem recently sustained with France.

Although a fresh hamstring injury could end up being just as bad. We can only hope he will miss minimal time.

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