Raphael Varane is the latest Manchester United player to be ruled out for "a few weeks".
Erik ten Hag is getting what he privately wanted with Manchester United's defence
10.08.2023 - 11:21 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United's season gets underway on Monday and the final preparations are being made for the opening game.
Erik ten Hag won the Carabao Cup, secured qualification for the Champions League and helped restore the connection between fans and the players in his first year in charge at Old Trafford and further improvement in 2023/24 is expected.
As part of a new series ahead of the upcoming season, the Manchester Evening News has looked at each position in United's squad and each player's aims, and this article will take a closer look at the centre-backs in the squad.
ALSO READ: United trying to sign centre back as Maguire nears exit
Here's everything you need to know regarding the club's defenders...
Raphael Varane
Where he can improve: Raphael Varane is an outstanding defender, but his ability on the ball and passing could improve. After the signing of Onana, Ten Hag will insist on playing out from the back this season and Varane will need to learn to be comfortable in the new system. He's still one of the best centre-backs in the league and United are undoubtedly better when he starts.
What is his main aim this season: Varane retired from international football last term due to concerns over the number of games he was playing. He's struggled with injury in recent years and his main aim for the campaign is to stay fit, to ensure he can contribute. Varane was absent for 15 games last term and his workload will need to be managed again.
How much will he play: Ideally, Varane would start every game, but Ten Hag carefully presided over his minutes in his first year in charge and the same pragmatic approach will be used again. The Frenchman is expected to start the vast majority of league and Champions League
The website popstar.one is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
26.08.2023 / 12:35
Erik ten Hag sends Anthony Elanga warning to Manchester United squad vs Nottingham Forest
Erik ten Hag admits Anthony Elanga will pose a threat for Manchester United’s back line against Nottingham Forest.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
20.08.2023 / 03:19
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks out on striker issue amid Rasmus Hojlund injury
Erik ten Hag downplayed the possibility Manchester United's goalscoring issues could heap pressure on new striker Rasmus Hojlund.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
19.08.2023 / 14:15
Aaron Wan-Bissaka gives verdict on Manchester United right-back battle with Diogo Dalot
Manchester United ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka believes his battle for the right-back spot with Diogo Dalot is a positive for both themselves and the club.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
19.08.2023 / 13:37
Jadon Sancho starts as Manchester United fans name starting line-up they want vs Tottenham
Manchester United will be aiming to maintain their winning start to the season when they travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this teatime.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
19.08.2023 / 07:47
What TV channel is Tottenham vs Manchester United on? UK and US live stream and kick-off time details
Manchester United will face their first trip to a 'big six' team this season this weekend when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
18.08.2023 / 21:47
Erik ten Hag backs new midfielder to ease Manchester United's midfield issue and warns Mason Mount
Erik ten Hag believes Kobbie Mainoo will be ready to ease Manchester United's midfield issues when he regains fitness.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
18.08.2023 / 14:19
Martinez, Hojlund, Mainoo- Manchester United injury news and return dates ahead of Tottenham
Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of their trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off).
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
18.08.2023 / 08:13
Midfield mystery, Rashford question - what Manchester United must improve ahead of Tottenham
Manchester United may have started the season with a win but there are still puzzles for Erik ten Hag to solve after his side’s 1-0 victory over Wolves.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
17.08.2023 / 12:17
Man United told surprise loan signing of their former striker will solve goalscoring problems
Dwight Yorke believes Manchester United can solve their goalscoring problems with a shock loan move for Romelu Lukaku.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
16.08.2023 / 20:15
Manchester United release Mason Greenwood statement and Aaron Wan-Bissaka credits Erik ten Hag
Here are your Manchester United evening headlines on Wednesday, August 16.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
16.08.2023 / 11:35
Nemanja Vidic gives verdict on Manchester United's Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez partnership
Nemanja Vidic has been impressed with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez's partnership for Manchester United.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
15.08.2023 / 20:17
Manchester United suffer Lisandro Martinez injury worry as Erik ten Hag criticises forwards
Here are your Tuesday evening Manchester United headlines.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
15.08.2023 / 03:37
Erik ten Hag criticises Manchester United forwards after Wolves win
Erik ten Hag criticised the performance of Manchester United's frontline in their 1-0 defeat of Wolves.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
11.08.2023 / 13:37
David Moyes provides transfer update on Manchester United defender Harry Maguire
David Moyes has confirmed Manchester United have accepted a bid from West Ham United for Harry Maguire.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
09.08.2023 / 20:07
Crystal Palace star 'among potential Harry Maguire replacements' and more Manchester United transfer gossip
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is among the shortlist Manchester United have drawn up to replace Harry Maguire, according to reports.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
09.08.2023 / 17:35
Four Harry Maguire replacement options that could be perfect for Manchester United
Manchester United were relaxed about further recruitment during the summer transfer window and - in any case - that prospect was always going to be governed by potential outgoings.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
08.08.2023 / 12:25
Gary Neville reveals transfer that would give Erik ten Hag what he wanted at Manchester United
Gary Neville has urged Manchester United to sign a senior No.9 and believes the arrival of Harry Kane would instantly see the club become title challengers.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
07.08.2023 / 15:57
Martial, Malacia, Amad - Manchester United injury news and return dates before Wolves opener
Manchester United were handed a double injury boost for their last two friendly matches this summer with focus now shifting to the Premier League curtain raiser against Wolves on Monday night.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
05.08.2023 / 03:51
Manchester United to make Rasmus Hojlund transfer announcement today
Manchester United are due to announce the signing of Rasmus Hojlund prior to kick-off against Lens today.