Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that both Raphael Varane and Mason Mount are closing in on a return to full fitness.
Asked when the pair could be ready to play, the Dutchman said that the 2 players could be available for selection very soon:
“Both are in a good place. They are shortly coming [towards] a return.”
Supporters on X are happy that Mount and Varane (in particular) could be back in the starting lineup in the near future:
Good to hear
— KOL (@heiskol) September 17, 2023
finally my man🥹🥹🥹
— aca (@pacarmount) September 17, 2023
Don’t think guys realise how desperately we need Varane back. Our best box defender by a country mile.
— 🇲🇦 (@1IM05) September 17, 2023
We need Varane back ASAP!!!😫
— bones (@utdbones) September 17, 2023
Please God 🙏
— Josh 🔴🇵🇰 (@JoshPinhoUTD) September 17, 2023
Varane needs to be back for Bayern
— Sammie (@SanchoEra25) September 17, 2023
Varane more likely Burnley
— Maahi (@MaahiAli2004) September 17, 2023
United won’t want to rush the pair back
It should be pointed out that neither Varane nor Mount have kicked a ball for almost a month now. The former has been out since the win against Nottingham Forest on August 26th, while the latter has been sidelined since the Tottenham game a week earlier.
Ten Hag may be tempted to recall Varane as soon as possible, considering the club’s poor defensive record this season, and the fact that the Red Devils are facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday. However, there would be a risk of the Frenchman and Mount suffering a recurrence of their original injuries.
The club’s injury crisis
While there has been a lot of criticism levelled at recent performances, fans do need to keep in mind that ten Hag is without 10 first-team players at the moment.
In addition to Varane and Mount, the likes of Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (muscular), Tom Heaton (calf), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Sofyan Amrabat (back) and Amad Diallo (knee) are all on the treatment table. Jadon Sancho and Antony are also unavailable.
