Erik ten Hag's Raphael Varane claim should be proved right by Man United ace in next few weeks

Didier Deschamps' loss is certainly Erik ten Hag's gain. The fact that Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane will not be in action for France during the March international break is a huge boost for the Reds, with the defender likely to play a crucial role in the latter stages of the season.

Varane called time on his international career in February, despite arguably being at the peak of his career and still two months shy of his 30th birthday. His decision came as a major shock to Deschamps and France, especially considering that he was expected to be named the country's new captain following the retirement of Hugo Lloris.

The France boss did not hold back when discussing his disappointment at Varane's retirement from international football, although he did admit that he respected the 29-year-old's decision. The defender played a key role in his country's run to the World Cup final in Qatar last year, where the holders were beaten on penalties by Argentina.

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He played every minute of France's triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign and was also key to France beating Spain to win the Nations League in 2021. Having won 93 caps for his country, it will have been a difficult call for Varane to make, but he suggested that the gruelling fixture schedule ultimately became unmanageable.

Ten Hag insisted that Varane's retirement from international football was "good news" for United. The Dutchman spoke about his respect for the defender's international career, before insisting that the Frenchman was "ambitious" and desperate to win trophies with the Reds.

"For United, I think it's good news," Ten Hag said. "Rapha achieved everything in terms of