Revealed: Raphael Varane's stance on losing Man Utd place as Erik ten Hag continues to overlook World Cup-winning defender

Despite savouring World Cup glory with France back in 2018, while landing four Champions League crowns during his days at Real Madrid, Varane has found himself stuck on the bench of late as Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag shuffles his defensive pack.

Eyebrows have been raised as Varane is forced to fill a role among the substitutes, with former United captain Maguire – who appeared destined to be heading out of Old Trafford at one stage as he was frozen out of the starting XI – returning to favour as Ten Hag seeks a winning formula.

According to The Athletic, Varane has “accepted the decision is a tactical one” and that there is “always a way back for a player under Ten Hag”. Questions have, however, been asked of how he has taken the news of being a substitute - with there little interaction with United’s coaching staff when being introduced in the 79th minute of the Red Devils’ 1-0 Premier League win over Luton.

Ten Hag has sought to justify his decision to drop Varane when quizzed on the subject, saying: “Harry is playing very well and there is internal competition." Maguire and Lindelof have become United’s go-to centre-half partnership, but further tactical tinkering remains a distinct possibility and Varane is willing to bide his time and wait for another opportunity to come his way.