Manchester United's supporters breathed a collective sigh of relief after defender Raphael Varane came through France's 2-0 win over Austria on Thursday evening unscathed.
Sporting the captain's armband, the centre-back completed the match, helping the reigning World Cup holders record their first win of their current Nations League campaign. Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud were enough to seal a routine win for Didier Deschamps' side.
Following the win over Ralf Rangnick's troops, France will be looking to make it back-to-back wins when they face Denmark in Copenhagen on Sunday, in a contest which will see United duo Christian Eriksen and Varane go head to head. The former scored against Croatia on Thursday evening in a 2-1 defeat.
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But while United's fans were delighted to see Eriksen get on the scoresheet, it appears that they are even more happy about the fact that Varane avoided an injury. The former Real Madrid man has become an indispensable figure in Erik ten Hag's plans so far this season and the prospect of United losing him to an injury is the last thing they need.
Varane, unfortunately, has been unlucky with injuries since joining United and suffered a hamstring problem while on international duty last October. He was forced off in the Nations League final against Spain and was forced to spend several weeks on the sidelines.
Therefore, United's supporters have always had their hearts in their mouths when Varane has been called up for international duty, such is his importance. But having come through the win over Austria without any troubles, they can rest easy for now, although he still has one more match to play before the international break comes to an end.
So it's clear United's supporters are somewhat grateful for the fact that Varane managed to avoid any unwanted injury problems. They have recognised how important he is in what Ten Hag is trying to build at Old Trafford, highlighted by the fact that the Reds have won every game that he has started so far this season.
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