Scholes ‘WORRIED’ by surprise Man Utd star after Galatasaray Champions League loss
Robin Bairner
- 4 Oct 2023 00:45 CDT
- 3 min read
Paul Scholes has revealed that he is “worried” about the physical state of Raphael Varane after Manchester United slumped to a 3-2 defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The pressure continues to mount on manager Erik ten Hag after the narrow loss, which leaves the Red Devils pointless in Europe’s premier club competition.
Two goals from Rasmus Hojlund twice had Man Utd ahead, yet some sloppy defending allowed Galatasaray back into the match, including a loose pass from goalkeeper Andre Onana that led to the concession of a missed penalty but also a red card for Casemiro.
MORE: 'He's like Van Nistelrooy' - Scholes heaps praise on €75m Man Utd signing
But while the goalkeeper once again finds himself in the spotlight, club legend Scholes picked out centre-back Varane as a figure who is starting to worry him.
Speaking to TNT Sport, Scholes, who was working with Rio Ferdinand, said: “I worry about Varane a bit. I think he’s been one of the best defenders around, just like Rio was. He was of that same ilk when he was at Real Madrid. I just think that his legs are looking a little bit sluggish, he can’t keep fit. I’d be worried about him.”
MORE: How much will it cost Man Utd to sack Ten Hag?
Varane slowing down?
Varane himself has already hinted that he is starting to feel his 30 years.
The former Lens and Real Madrid defender retired from international football in order to focus on the club game and reduce the strain on his body, both in terms of the number of matches played and on travelling.
He has already missed three matches this season because of injury, sitting out key fixtures against Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Brighton. Indeed, his absence from those games was listed as one of the reasons why Man Utd conceded 10 goals across those fixtures, but they once again shipped three against the Turkish side.
Varane’s display and Scholes’ doubts over the player is just another worry for a Man Utd team with an increasing number of problems.
