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The World Cup winner has lost his place in Erik ten Hag’s line-up, starting just one of their last 11 matches.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were named in the starting XI taking on Chelsea at Old Trafford on Wednesday night with Varane not even among the subs.
But his absence from the squad is an enforced one, struggling with a ‘sore back’.
Varane formed a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s last defence but has started just seven games in all competitions this season.
Recent reports have suggested the former France international is not actively seeking to leave the club despite his lack of game time. Bayern Munich are among the sides monitoring his situation.
Ten Hag has played down talk of a rift between him and Varane, with Maguire’s return to form impacting the Frenchman’s time on the pitch this season.
The two forwards were widely criticised for their lack of workrate on Tyneside, with Rasmus Hojlund and Antony coming into the side to replace them against the Blues.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, ten Hag played down suggestions those changes were a reaction to Saturday’s performance with squad rotation in his thinking.
‘It is part of rotation. Everyone has to be ready and energized,’ ten Hag said ahead of kick-off.
‘We played as a team against Everton and Galatasaray. We dictated and dominated and we need to play as a team again.’
18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who started United last two league games against Everton and Newcastle, was also among the changes with Aaron Wan-Bissaka also dropping out of the side.
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