UNITED TEAM NEWS
A big boost for the Ten Hag in the 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on December 21 was the return of Raphael Varane to the starting XI.
The Frenchman was the first World Cup finalist in Qatar to return to play for his club and looked impressive and composed as ever, despite having an unknown partner at the heart of the defense in the form of left-back Luke Shaw.
Varane lasted 77 minutes before being replaced by club captain Harry Maguire, who was named as a substitute as he continued his recovery from illness.
Notable omissions from United’s squad against Forest were Scott McTominay and Victor Lindelof, both ill, and long-term absentees Jadon Sancho and Axel Tuanzebe.