29 August 2023 , 15:45
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Manchester United defender Raphael Varane could be sidelined for up to six weeks after sustaining an injury during Saturday's comeback win over Nottingham Forest.
The Frenchman's injury is just the latest in a string of fitness problems that have marred United's start to the Premier League season. Summer signing Mason Mount was the first to pick up a knock this term, before Luke Shaw's muscle strain handed manager Erik ten Hag another headache.
Varane's injury could also have a big impact on what happens with the rest of United's summer transfer window and which players they could bid farewell to. For some time, former club captain Harry Maguire seemed destined to head for the Old Trafford exit door.
West Ham expressed significant interest in luring the England international to the London Stadium and actually had a £30million offer for Maguire accepted by United, though failed to agree personal terms with the defender.
That seemed to be the end of that, until reports of the Hammers reigniting their interest started to emerge. Varane's injury could scupper that, given Maguire is now needed to step up and deputise for the former Real Madrid man.
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Maguire is yet to feature in the Premier League for United this term and was an unused substitute for the two home clashes against Wolves and Forest. The next run of league games could help the England ace revive his flatlining career if he comes in and impresses boss Ten Hag.
Harry Maguire could now stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! What does Varane's injury mean for Maguire's Man Utd future? Comment below
The injury will also impact Varane's future in that it will surely quash further speculation suggesting he could be the next famous face tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad were keen on bringing the defender to the Saudi Pro League, but are expected to divert their attention elsewhere.
In the aftermath of the 3-2 victory over Forest, Ten Hag issued an update on the status of Varane's fitness. "He had complaints. So we didn't want to risk him. We know we have Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, good replacements.
"So we don't take the risk, but what the complaint is and if it is really bad, we don't know. We have to wait." Up next for United is the not-so-small matter of a trip to fierce rivals and title contenders Arsenal on Sunday.