09 August 2023 , 09:52
887
0
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has publicly backed Raphael Varane's stance on the new rules regarding added time, despite Dimitar Berbatov's claims supporting the change.
Starting from this season, referees have been told to add on extra added time to properly take into account any stoppage in play in an attempt to eradicate time wasting. The rules were first seen during last year's World Cup and will now be implemented in the both Premier League and EFL.
The changes have not gone down well with everyone and Red Devils defender Raphael Varane was one of the first to break his silence to oppose the decision. The bulk of the Frenchman's concerns were regarding the increase on an already huge workload on players.
Ten Hag has since backed his man, telling reporters: "Players are on the edge of what's possible and we've been saying this for years, but they're adding games to competitions every time. Now they're adding game time.
"Agree with Varane on the fact that players are pushed to their limits? Absolutely! FIFA, UEFA, we have been sending the same message for years, but they continue. Commercial interest comes before the quality of football."
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Former United forward Berbatov doesn't see it quite the same way, with the Bulgarian insisting that he is in favour of the rule change and feels that over time, players will get used to the longer halves.
"So far, we’ve seen lots of added-on time in matches. To be honest, I'm in favour of the new added time rules. Sometimes in games, the actual playing is not what people expect it to be," he told Betfair.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who do you side with on this issue - Varane or Ten Hag? Comment below
Erik ten Hag has backed Raphael Varane in his stance regarding the new rules around added time"If you calculate it, around 50 minutes is probably played in an average 90-minute game, with all the fouls and breaks in the match. I think the players will like it, obviously when you're winning 1-0 and holding onto a lead late in the game, then the players won't like it.
"At the end of the day, I think people want to watch more football, so I'm okay with it. The amount of time the ball is stopped during a game has to be compensated, and the only way is with additional time. With this, I think players will have to stop wasting time."
Varane's opinion on the situation is in stark contrast, with the former Real Madrid taking to Twitter to claim: "We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules.
"From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players' physical and mental well-being.
"Despite our previous feedback, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans."
The United defender went on to bemoan the fact that players were not being listened to by the relevant authorities, adding: "Why are our opinions not being heard? As a player, I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
"I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best."
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move