Raphael Varane absence for Manchester United vs Newcastle explained

Raphael Varane was missing again for Manchester United when they faced Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Erik ten Hag made seven changes from the side that was humiliated by Manchester City at the weekend, but there was no place in the matchday squad for Varane.

The Frenchman was named on the bench when United lost on Sunday afternoon, but was missing altogether for their clash with Newcastle three days later.

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It is understood Varane missed out due to illness, while all the other changes to the starting line up were purely on a rotational basis amid the packed fixture schedule.

Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag explained why he had made so many changes for his side's latest defence of the trophy they won back in February.

"To get through to the next round," he told MUTV. "We have a strong squad so we can make choices and today I think we have a strong selection, a strong team and we have to get to the next round."

Varane missed out on a start in the Manchester derby due to 'tactical reasons' with Jonny Evans selected ahead of him.