Raphael Varane's absence explained as Man Utd's defensive problems laid bare again by Newcastle United

Manchester United were without Raphael Varane again on Wednesday night, and this time it wasn't for reasons tactical. The Red Devils were flattened by Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, losing 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.

The defeat followed another heavy defeat to Manchester City over the weekend, a game Varane spent sitting on the bench. Ten Hag explained the decision as 'tactical' to allay fears of a fresh injury setback for the centre-back. He said: "I chose Evans as the starter and Varane on the bench from a tactical point of view, yes. Exactly.

"When you play City, they will press and play with Rapha [on the right] and Maguire on the left, that can cause problems and you end up just playing long balls. He [Maguire] is, for me, better on the right, especially against teams that press high."

Varane has missed a significant chunk of action this season through an injury he picked up during the late August clash with Nottingham Forest. The Frenchman returned earlier than expected, in late September, starting three times and coming off the bench in another, but he then missed a further game through an injury issue.

The veteran defender played a small role against Sheffield United but remained on the bench for the entirety of the City clash, while he wasn't in the squad at all for the visit of Newcastle in the cup.

Injury fears have been sparked on the back of Varane's absence, but it seems there is something far less sinister behind it. According to the Manchester Evening News, Varane was absent through illness, and it will be hoped he can return in time to face Fulham this weekend,

United have already struggled with depth at the centre-back positions this season, with Lisandro Martinez out until the new year. Varane's return will be a significant help for the under-pressure Ten Hag, with the Red Devilsseemingly in desperate need of leadership.