An insight into the absence of Raphael Varane from Manchester United’s starting line-up to face Burnley this evening has been provided online.

Clarets clash

Ralf Rangnick’s troops are of course set to return to action in short order.

In the final Premier League fixture of 2021, the Red Devils have welcomed relegation-battling Burnley to Old Trafford.

United head into proceedings eyeing a return to winning ways, having slipped further off the pace of the top-4 chasing pack in the English top-flight owing to an altogether disappointing 1-1 stalemate with Newcastle last time out.

Burnley, for their part, currently occupy the final of the division’s relegation spots, but will no doubt be fully aware that a positive result this evening could kickstart their survival bid, with Sean Dyche and co. boasting several games in hand on all of the sides around them.

Varane benched

As such, United, amid a hit-and-miss start to life under new boss Rangnick, will be wary of an always game Clarets outfit on Thursday.

Nevertheless, though, the German mastermind in charge of overseeing matters at Old Trafford has not been shy in shaking things up.

As confirmed a short time ago, Rangnick has opted for a hefty six changes to the XI which stuttered to a 1-1 stalemate with Newcastle on Monday night:

Our final line-up of the year — let’s get the job done! #MUFC | #MUNBUR

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 30, 2021

Amongst those left out, meanwhile, is Raphael Varane, whose place on the bench, rather than the starting line-up, quickly set pulses racing on the red half of Manchester, owing to the Frenchman’s recent spell on the sidelines.

As per the reliable Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, though, it is understood that Varane has simply been rested, to provide the former Real Madrid man with further time to recover full fitness:

Six changes to the team vs Newcastle which, considering how poorly #MUFC played + close proximity of games, feels about right.

Believe Varane rested due to concerns over sharpness given quick turnaround after injury.

Cavani starting obvious call. Shaw due return.

— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) December 30, 2021

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