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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Varane back in from the cold</li><li>Starts alongside Harry Maguire in defence</li><li>Will come up against Harry Kane at Old Trafford</li></ul>

Explained: Why Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag backtracked and selected Raphael Varane for crunch Bayern Munich Champions League clash

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Ten Hag has raised a few eyebrows with his team selection for United's must-win Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. The Dutchman has recalled Varane to his starting XI for the first time since United's 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on October 24. The Frenchman starts alongside Harry Maguire in the heart of the Red Devils' defence. Ten Hag has opted to use Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof ahead of Varane recently and has previously said <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/explained-why-erik-ten-hag-benched-raphael-varane-man-utd-city/blt386175f794b3e34a" target="_blank">he has dropped the World Cup winner for "tactical reasons."</a><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📣 TEAM NEWS 📣 Two changes for United: ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/raphaelvarane?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaphaelVarane</a> ➡️ Rasmus Hojlund ⬅️ <a href="https://twitter.com/sergio_regui?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sergio_Regui</a> ⬅️ <a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyMartial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnthonyMartial</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a>— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1734645603907559851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag explained his decision to bring Varane back in from the cold in an interview with TNT Sports before kick-off. He said: "You see his quality. We need strong defending today. He's very experienced. Together with Harry [Maguire] he will be playing in the centre-half positions. Especially against Bayern, we need to defend very strongly and as we all know, he's a very strong defender."

THE EXPLANATION

Kane has been involved in nine goals in his last 11 appearances against United in all competitions (five goals, four assists). He could become the first English player to score a Champions League goal at Old Trafford for a team other than Manchester United.

DID YOU KNOW?

United's clash with Bayern offers Varane a great opportunity to try and force his way back into the team. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-au/news/cristiano-ronaldo-raphael-varane-man-utd-defender-saudi-al-nassr/blt3d1b5bfeb4b08dee" target="_blank">defender has been linked with a move away</a> from the club in the January transfer window <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/revealed-raphael-varane-stance-losing-man-utd-place-erik-ten-hag-overlook-world-cup-winning-defender/bltada186fc4bc92892#cs6c59e2bd9c43052e" target="_blank">but is believed to be in no rush to leave</a>. Varane will certainly have his work cut out against Bayern, with the Bavarian giants naming a strong team including Harry Kane, Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.

WHAT NEXT FOR VARANE?

Explained: Why Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag backtracked and selected Raphael Varane for crunch Bayern Munich Champions League clash | Goal.com

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has recalled Raphael Varane to his starting XI for Tuesday&apos;s crunch Champions League tie with Bayern.