‘It’s rumours’ - Erik ten Hag addresses reports of fallout with Man Utd defender Raphael Varane

Erik ten Hag labelled reports that he has fallen out with Raphael Varane as just ‘rumours’.

ManchesterWorld understand there was a disagreement between the pair last month, with Ten Hag growing less certain that the Manchester United centre-back is capable of coping with the physical requirements of the Premier League. Meanwhile, a report in the Daily Mail on Thursday suggested that Varane could even leave in January with their relationship ‘practically broken down’.

The Frenchman was a vital part of Ten Hag’s side last season as United won the Carabao Cup and finished third in the league, but both Varane and the team have struggled this term. The ex-Real Madrid man has seemingly dropped to fifth choice in the pecking order, with the United boss recently implying it is not possible to select both Varane and Harry Maguire at the heart of defence.

But asked about a falling out with Varane, Ten Hag claimed it was merely rumours. “I don't know what you're talking about,” he said ahead of Sunday’s game against Everton. 

“It's rumours. [He’s a] very important player, but there's internal competition and there should be at a top club. When you have to decide on two players who do brilliant, Rapha Varane and Harry Maguire, you gave to make a choice in that position."

United are expecting a tough return to Premier League this weekend when they travel to Merseyside, and face an Everton side who feel aggrieved after their 10-point deduction from the Premier League.

Supporters have organised several forms of protest at Goodison this weekend, including flags and banners being administered to fans. But Ten Hag said he has confidence his side can deal with that intense atmosphere.

“It's always about us,” explained the Dutchman. “I can see the opposition, I can see they are mad. 

“Finally, it's about us. If they are mad, that's their fuel, we have to match those standards. If we match the standards we have a very good chance to win the game."

Asked if his side will need to be disciplined on Sunday, Ten Hag replied: "I think we made some step forwards in that recently this season. We have good form, we have good away form. We have a strong belief, we know what we have to do to have the platform to win games."