Man Utd's Varane not playing due to Maguire form, says Ten Hag

Raphael Varane has not been at his best since arriving in England. The Manchester United centre-back has been benched in three of the Red Devils' last four games, something that has come as a surprise to many people considering the important role the Frenchman has played in the squad since arriving from Real Madrid. 

Harry Maguire has taken his place in the starting XI, despite the Three Lions international having been heavily criticised for his performances in recent years by both his national team and Mancunian fans, to the extent that Ten Hag stripped him of the captaincy to give the captain's armband to Bruno Fernandes.

This situation has undoubtedly prompted the manager to be asked if he has a problem with the France international, something he flatly denied at a press conference ahead of the Mancunian's game against Luton Town.

"Absolutely not. As I said, it is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships. I think Harry [Maguire] and Jonny [Evans] did well. Last year Harry didn't play a lot, so I was very happy with Rapha's performances. I have always been happy with his performance. But in this moment, Harry is playing very well and there is internal competition," said the former Ajax boss.