Raphael Varane has been accused of overreacting after breaking down in tears during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The France international suffered an injury at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening before hobbling off the pitch in tears.
Varane's become a solid fixture in the heart of United's backline since arriving from Real Madrid in 2021, but he's been plagued by fitness issues.
It didn't look good with the World Cup less than a month away. Since then, it's emerged he could be available for Didier Deschamps' final squad, as it's only a minor thigh problem.
Advert
Former United defender Jaap Stam was confused by Varane's initial reaction, commenting he could've been hurt much worse.
He explained to Premier League Productions: "He was very emotional. He fell down, was just laying on the pitch and after he stood up he was very emotional.
"When I saw it, it looked like he had a problem with his hamstring. But of course, we don’t know yet. I don’t know what to say about this, he probably thinks he is a doubt for the World Cup or whatever, but I can’t understand being so emotional on the pitch.
"You try to imagine yourself why a player is so emotional and why he is acting like that and I…I think there are other things that are worse than this."
Varane's regularly partnered Lisandro Martinez at the back, helping United to four clean sheets.
Club captain Harry Maguire has been out with hamstring troubles since September, while Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are long-term absentees.
It means United are down to Victor Lindelof for a replacement over the next few weeks.
Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag showed more sympathy for Varane's plight in his post-match interview.
He told United's official website: "I can understand, we can all probably understand he would be emotional [if he is out of the World Cup], but I think he also has to wait.
"You don’t know [how bad it is]. Of course he is experienced, but [the] medical [staff] have to do their job, have to make the assessment and set the right diagnosis, and then from there on can come a conclusion."
United return to action against FC Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Topics: Manchester United, Raphael Varane, Premier League
Daniel Marland