Man Utd handed Raphael Varane fitness boost

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hinted that Raphael Varane is expected to be back from injury before the end of the season, which could be a huge boost for the run-in.

Varane hasn’t played since coming off at half-time with a foot problem in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla at Old Trafford and has missed five games in all competitions.

Without the Frenchman, United collapsed in the second leg of that tie, losing 3-0 and missing out on the chance of a potential cup treble this season.

Varane is not expected back immediately. But speaking on Wednesday ahead of his team facing Brighton in the Premier League this week, Ten Hag spoke with relative optimism that the visit of Wolves to Old Trafford in 10 days’ time could be a possibility.

“Rapha is closer than Scott McTominay in this moment,” the United boss explained. “But, still, for the coming two games [against Brighton and West Ham], they are [both] not available.”

Alejandro Garnacho, who has just committed his long-term future to the club with a new five-year contract, is getting near to a return after resuming training. The Argentine teenager has been out with an ankle injury since early March and needs time to work on his match fitness.

“I think it’s too soon [for Garnacho] to be available,” Ten Hag said. “He’s short [on fitness] and needs some training. Then, shortly, he’ll be available.”