Raphael Varane has already made his feelings clear on Erik ten Hag amid Man Utd fallout claims

Raphael Varane has already made clear his feelings on Erik ten Hag amid claims of a fallout between himself and the Manchester United manager.

Varane was a significant figure at centre-back last season under the Dutchman, but this campaign has been a completely different story.

The Frenchman was even left out of the side for the Manchester derby last month, and the Daily Mail claim that Varane had a 'frank exchange of views' with his manager after that decision.

Varane's unhappiness reportedly centred around the fact that Jonny Evans - who re-joined the club on a free transfer in the summer after leaving Leicester - was picked ahead of him.

The Mail also claim that the relationship between the former Real Madrid star and Ten Hag has 'practically broken down'.

Speaking about Varane ahead of this weekend's clash against Everton, Ten Hag told beIN Sports: "[Harry] Maguire took his chance when Varane was absent. When the moment is there, you take it and the other has to fight back."

But despite his own reported feelings about being dropped from the side, Varane has previously praised Ten Hag for making big decisions and showing leadership when required.

After the Dutchman replaced Harry Maguire with Bruno Fernandes as United captain in July, the France centre-back told ESPN: "He wants a team with character and he's the leader, so he has to show it himself.

"He's not scared to take these decisions and take that responsibility. That is what we expect from the manager.

"He did it, so I think, with things like this, you show by example. He knows exactly what he wants.

"He's shown that determination, and from the first day we've known exactly what we've had to do and where he wants to go.

"It's all clear for the players and for the team and we have a good connection with the manager."

Ten Hag hasn't been afraid to make the challenging decisions, although it remains to be seen whether a reported fallout with Varane, if indeed true, will end up having a beneficial or negative effect on the squad as a whole at Old Trafford.

Topics: Raphael Varane, Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.