Ronaldo all over again? Varane accused of pulling a sickie

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Dec 2023 12:50 GMT
• 3 min read

Raphael Varane missed Manchester United's clash with West Ham due to "illness."

The French defender was yet again conspicuously absent from the Man Utd's teamsheet as they prepared to face David Moyes' Hammers. In Varane's stead, 19-year-old Willy Kambwala was handed his first senior bow for the Red Devils, starting alongside 35-year-old Jonny Evans at the heart of defence.

Varane became the latest health-related absentee in Man Utd's backline after head coach Erik ten Hag was forced to announce that Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof would be sidelined at least until January. However, a not insignificant number of fans is simply not buying that Varane is actually "ill."

In some supporters, the defender's no-show at the London Stadium reawakened memories of Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive exit the year prior. Mere days before his notorious interview with Piers Morgan was aired, the Portuguese legend had 'pulled a sickie' for a Carabao Cup tie with Aston Villa after falling out with Ten Hag.

Has Varane fallen out with Ten Hag?

At this point, the suggestion from some fans that Varane is also pulling a sickie is just conspiracy mongering and the truth will be revealed in due time. Previous suggestions that Ten Hag had fallen out with the World Cup winner were downplayed by the manager himself, but it is true that Varane is not having an easy season.

Though recently reinstated, the former Real Madrid man had lost his starting spot due to his repeated fitness issues earlier in the season, which has given rise to intense speculation over his future.

The rumours were further fueled by the revelation that his contract actually expires in the summer of 2024 and not 2025 as previously suggested. United have the option to extend his deal for a year, but at this point, Varane will be free to choose his next club in January.

Regardless of whether he is actually ill or pulling a sickie, it is clear that his inability to be available for more than a few games at a time is a major concern and it is therefore unsurprising that the Red Devils have been repeatedly linked with the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo and Antonio Silva.