Ten Hag reveals ‘positive’ Man Utd injury update; replies to Jones, Sabitzer and transfer ‘talk’ questions

Joe Williams
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag fist pumps the air

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that Raphael Varane will be available to face Bournemouth on Saturday in their Premier League match.

The Red Devils still need a couple of victories in their final three matches of the Premier League season to guarantee that they qualify for the Champions League.

In recent weeks Ten Hag has been relying on Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof as his centre-back partnership with Lisandro Martinez, Varane and Harry Maguire all out injured.

Varane returned against Wolves at the weekend in their 2-0 win but there were fears he was injured again after being taken off late on in the game.

But it was just a precaution and Man Utd boss Ten Hag has revealed that the Frenchman will “definitely” be available to face Bournemouth tomorrow.

Ten Hag told a pre-match press conference: “So a positive, Varane definitely available, Scott joined in training, when we find training will go well he will be in. Rashy trained well the whole week but today he reported he is ill. We have to see how he recovers during the day and see tomorrow.”

When asked whether Man Utd can reach Man City’s level, Ten Hag replied: “When I see this project, first of all it’s important to get in the Champions League, I don’t think today at that standard, I look to the next game, Bournemouth, we have to win that game to get in the Champions League.

“Focus on the game, the games coming up, the first game is the most important.”

On Bournemouth, Ten Hag said:  “I think as far as I can see, I think it’s really brilliant a club as Bournemouth, they are in the Premier League and three games before the end of the season they are definitely in the league next season as well. It’s massive. You can see clear patterns, so well done.”

On Phil Jones, who will leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, Ten Hag added:  “Yes, (I saw him in training for) 20 minutes, first training of the year! He has a great career, what he achieved, winning the FA Cup, winning Europa League being present at two World Cups, massive career at Man United. All the credits for his career.”

On whether he would like Man Utd to sign Marcel Sabitzer permanently in the summer, Ten Hag continued: “We will see but it’s not our main focus, the main focus is Bournemouth.”

When asked whether he is already talking to John Murtough and Richard Arnold about summer transfers, Ten Hag replied: “We’re talking every day.”

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