Chris Wheeler: Raphael Varane is a big player with an ego to match

Erik ten Hag and Raphael Varane have 'obviously' fallen out, and the result could prove critical for Manchester United, Mail Sport's expert Chris Wheeler shared on It's All Kicking Off.

The former Real Madrid man moved to Manchester for a bumper £41million plus add-ons in the summer of 2021, and in subsequent seasons became an important presence for the club's defence - and particular stalwart of Ten Hag's after his appointment in 2022.

But increasingly out-of-favour at Old Trafford, relations are thought to be irretrievably broken between the two men, with the defender making just seven starting appearances across all competitions.

Both Varane and former Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro are thought to be heading for the exit at Old Trafford, possibly as early as the upcoming January window, after the sale of a 25 per cent stake in the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

However, the fracas between Varane and his manger could have far greater ramifications for the dressing room whether he stays or goes, as Wheeler discussed with Mail Sport's Ian Ladyman.

'In the dressing room, I think (Ten Hag) has support,' Wheeler shared. 'I think there's obviously an issue with Jadon Sancho, naturally. The one that I think is concerning people is the Varane thing, that's very strange.

'He's a World Cup winner, he's come from Real Madrid, he was an absolute shoe-in for a place in this team pretty much since he came into the club. And there's been obviously a falling out there. Erik's calling it rumours, he's not really biting on it.

'(But) there has quite clearly been a falling out between Ten Hag and Varane essentially over him being dropped for the derby and the fact that Johnny Evans was played alongside (Harry) Maguire instead of him, and that was