Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has admitted his surprise that Raphael Varane has lost his starting place at Manchester United.
Varane arrived to great fanfare at Old Trafford a few seasons ago from Real Madrid, but while his performances have often been exceptional, his lack of fitness has become a problem and he is not his reliable best this season.
That has led to Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and even Jonny Evans being picked ahead of the French international.
With United struggling to kick on this season and challenge for a top-four finish, many have called into question the manager's decision, and Sagna is one of them.
He told Lord Ping : “I am surprised by Raphael Varane’s limited amount of game time at Manchester United this season. I know Varane well; I know his qualities and what he can give to the team. He is a leader. He has won so many trophies.
“When you lose your place in the starting line-up and your replacement plays well, it is always difficult to regain your place in the team. It also makes the manager’s decision to pick you harder.
“There can be no questions about his ability as a player and his quality. I think he is still one of the top central defenders in the world. I still think that Raphael Varane can play a massive role at Manchester United this season and is one of Erik ten Hag’s most important players.”