Things might be about to get even worse for Raphael Varane at Manchester United

It's a new year, but not necessarily a happy one for everyone associated with Manchester United. The weekend defeat to Nottingham Forest is still fresh in the memory, as United were brought crashing back down to earth following the giddy excitement of their comeback win over Aston Villa.

The January transfer window always teases the possibility of change but right now Erik ten Hag wants consistency as he looks to settle upon an established side and build the momentum required to surge up the Premier League table.

He might well get what he wants by the end of the month. For all of their failures this season, the United manager has been quick to point at the club's injury situation as a contributing factor to their struggles.

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It has certainly had an impact on United, though it has often been a far too convenient excuse to jump to rather than facing up to the harder home truths.

The pressure will only increase on Ten Hag when he welcomes back five players from injury this month and with a full complement of players to choose from, it will be clear to see who currently sits at the top of his pecking order.

It could spell bad news for Raphael Varane. The Manchester Evening News revealed yesterday that the French defender feels he is being pushed out of United after the club decided against extending his contract by one year.

Varane is now free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs and it is understood he is undecided over whether to accept a reduced salary at United if they draft up a new deal.

It is also understood the 30-year-old is unimpressed