Ten Hag details meeting with Ratcliffe amid Man Utd bid
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is set to be without Raphael Varane for today's match with Fulham, it has been claimed. The Red Devils go into the game looking to make the semi-finals of the FA Cup. However, their serial winner is poised to miss out.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In his absence, Harry Maguire could be primed to start.
The England international is no longer first-choice at the club these days, with Varane and Martinez usually ahead of him in the pecking order.
Maguire was previously a regular under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick yet, so far this term, has made just 11 starts for the club.
With Varane out, though, Maguire may get the chance to show Ten Hag what he’s capable of for a second match in a row.
Despite being out of favour, the former Leicester star said on Thursday that he was always willing to help the team - regardless of whether he plays or not.
“I work hard at the training ground and that's all that you can do,” he said after Marcus Rashford’s goal fired United to victory over Real Betis.
“You can work hard in training, I put everything into training. We have good coaches at this club and they put on really good sessions for us the day after games.
“Listen, it's not been too long since my last game, I think it is a couple of weeks ago, I have started five, six, seven since the World Cup.
“Obviously, I want to play more, I want to start more games, but I'm playing my part on and off the field.
“It's nice to be out there leading the team and getting the victory, which is the most important part for myself and the club.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
Man Utd star Raphael Varane is expected to miss Fulham FA Cup clash (Image: GETTY)
“I’ve got an important role on and off the field at this club and every day I try to make this club succeed, whether I'm playing or not.”
Ten Hag, meanwhile, praised Maguire prior to the game with Fulham.
“I am really happy with the progress Harry is making at the moment,” he said.
“He is more dominant and dictating, taking more initiative on the training pitch and we saw in Seville against Betis where he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictation of the game.”
Ten Hag also opened up on Fulham, revealing he’s expecting a ‘tough’ match.
Trending
"It's going to be a tough one, but at that stage of the competition, [they are] all tough opponents,” he said.
“Now we play against a really experienced team who have won the cup - in the last [eight] years - three times.
“We have to be ready and we have to play our best football to beat them."
He added: "[The league] doesn't mean nothing, if you are in this stage of the competition, you are still in, you have a good team, so this is the opportunity for them to make a success of the season.