'I've damaged my body' - Manchester United star Raphael Varane makes health admission

Manchester United star Raphael Varane believes that he has "damaged his body" due to the effect of heading the ball across his career.

Varane has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season for United and is a key figure in defence. The France international's only goal of the campaign was the winner in the 1-0 victory over Wolves in August on the opening day of the season at Old Trafford.

Varane was recently substituted at half-time in United's 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday and was replaced by Harry Maguire. MEN Sport understands Varane is hopeful of being passed fit for Thursday's Premier League trip to Chelsea. United must manage the risk given Liverpool come to Old Trafford on Sunday, while Varane's centre-back partners Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez are both facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to injuries also sustained against Brentford.

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Varane began his professional football career in France back in 2010 at Lens when he was a teenager. The 30-year-old has gone on to make 476 senior appearances across his career with United, Lens and Real Madrid. Now the centre-back has opened up on how heading and head injuries may have "damaged" his long-term health, as well as the advice he gives his son when playing football.

"My seven-year-old son plays football and I advise him not to head the ball. For me, that's essential," said Varane in an interview with L'Equipe. "Even if it doesn't cause any immediate trauma, we know that in the long term, repeated shocks can have harmful effects.

"Personally, I don't know if I'll