Erik ten Hag is getting what he privately wanted with Manchester United's defence

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester United's season gets underway on Monday and the final preparations are being made for the opening game. Erik ten Hag won the Carabao Cup, secured qualification for the Champions League and helped restore the connection between fans and the players in his first year in charge at Old Trafford and further improvement in 2023/24 is expected.

As part of a new series ahead of the upcoming season, the Manchester Evening News has looked at each position in United's squad and each player's aims, and this article will take a closer look at the centre-backs in the squad. ALSO READ: United trying to sign centre back as Maguire nears exit Here's everything you need to know regarding the club's defenders... Raphael Varane Where he can improve: Raphael Varane is an outstanding defender, but his ability on the ball and passing could improve.

After the signing of Onana, Ten Hag will insist on playing out from the back this season and Varane will need to learn to be comfortable in the new system.

He's still one of the best centre-backs in the league and United are undoubtedly better when he starts. What is his main aim this season: Varane retired from international football last term due to concerns over the number of games he was playing.