Manchester United handed Raphael Varane injury boost

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 May 2023

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag suggests that Raphael Varane could make his return from injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 13.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has suggested that Raphael Varane could make his return from injury in the Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 13.

The former France international has been on the sidelines since the middle of last month, having aggravated an ankle injury during the 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford in the Europa League.

Varane has missed Man United's last five games in all competitions, and there had been fears that the issue could keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The experienced centre-back will again be unavailable for selection against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday evening, in addition to Sunday's trip to West Ham United.

However, Ten Hag has hinted that the 30-year-old could be ready to make his return in the contest with Wolves at Molineux on May 13.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on April 2, 2023 © Reuters

Man United have six more Premier League games this season, with their last league fixture at home to Fulham on May 28, before taking on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3.

Scott McTominay is also on the sidelines, with the Scotland international absent since the early stages of last month due to an unknown issue, and he remains unavailable for selection against Brighton.

Alejandro Garnacho is back in first-team training following an ankle injury of his own, but the youngster will also not be available for Thursday's game with the Seagulls.

"Prognosis: Rapha is closer than Scott McTominay in this moment but still for the coming two games they are not available," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta in action with Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho on March 1, 2023 © Reuters

"We have one training but I think it's too soon (for Garnacho) to be available, but I think he's short, he needs some training and then shortly he'll be available."

Ten Hag's side have won four of their last five Premier League matches to cement their spot in the top four, currently sitting fourth in the table, seven points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.

"We want to win every game, we want to win every comp. I can't choose. But it's clear we want to be in the Champions League, that is the competition we are now fighting for and that is the only thing in this moment to focus on. The FA Cup final is after the season," Man United's head coach added on Wednesday.

"I never speak about 'if' scenarios, not negative, not positive, focus on the game tomorrow, don't dream, stay in the same focus as others. You have to improve every game. Good is not good enough, we have to do better."

As well as Varane, Garnacho and McTominay, Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek and Tom Heaton will all again be unavailable for selection against Brighton.