Manchester United supporters were delighted to see Raphael Varane get back onto the pitch in France’s 2-1 win over Denmark at the World Cup but are crossing their fingers that he stays injury-free ahead of his return to Carrington.
The defender started the match - his first outing in more than a month - and lasted 75 minutes before being replaced as the world champions became the first country to qualify for the knockouts.
Varane had been a doubt for the tournament after suffering a knee injury against Chelsea in October, the 29-year-old coming off in tears, clearly fearing his trip to Qatar could be in jeopardy. He didn’t play for United again before the break in the season.
READ MORE: 'I was scared' - Manchester United star Raphael Varane opens up on injury
However, much to his relief, he was named in the squad for the World Cup despite Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps hinting that he would not be taking injured players. Varane, who was a critical part of France’s 2018 success, missed Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Australia.
But Deschamps started the United defender ahead of Liverpool centre-half Ibrahima Konate, who replaced him with 15 minutes to go. Varane left the field with the score at 1-1 having conceded an equaliser from Andreas Christensen seven minutes earlier.
That didn’t detract from the delight of United fans, who were pleased to see the player back on the grass after a lengthy lay-off with Kylian Mbappe grabbing a late winner to complete a brace and earn the win for the holders. But supporters also expressed their hope for Varane to stay off the physio table.
@KaerryKez7: Raphael Varane coming off for France did well on his return from injury. PLEASE STAY INJURY FREE NOW.
@Toredo2019: Don’t get injured @raphaelvarane.
@TweetieeTy: I beg… Come back home uninjured!
@ChaubeyRishind: Stay safe @raphaelvarane.
@LarryCh49598510: Nice to see you back on the pitch, @raphaelvarane.
@Ben_Utd: Great to see @raphaelvarane back in action!
@jjMcC_Official : Just look at Varane, I just love him, he moves like a smooth fast Ferrari even after five weeks out injured.
@beggs85: How good is it to see @raphaelvarane back out on a football pitch!
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