William Gallas sends message to out-of-form Manchester United star Raphael Varane

Varane has struggled for starts recently (Picture: Getty)

William Gallas has urged Raphael Varane to exercise patience but said he must improve when given the chance if he’s to regain his spot in the Manchester United starting lineup.

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Varane has started just six games in all competitions this season and has not been named in the starting XI for five successive games.

The former Real Madrid defender has found himself beneath Harry Maguire in the pecking order after the England international’s improved displays, with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans also starting ahead of him in recent encounters.      

The 30-year-old played 76 minutes against Copenhagen when brought on as a first-half substitute prior to the international break but struggled greatly as Erik ten Hag’s side slumped to a 4-3 away defeat.

Recent reports in the Daily Mail have hinted at a rift between Varane and Ten Hag, but for Gallas, the Frenchman’s focus should be solely on improving on the pitch.

‘I think that Varane is currently on the Manchester United bench because he hasn’t been at his best,’ the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender told Genting Casino.

‘When you play for a top club like Manchester United, you have to put in really good performances in every single game. If Erik ten Hag isn’t picking him and prefers other players, that tells you that his game hasn’t been at the highest level this season.

Varane could be in contention to return to the starting lineup against Everton (Picture: Getty)

‘Varane knows that he has to perform in every single game. He knows there are other players that are pushing him. If I was in Varane’s situation, then I would fight. I would be giving everything to get my place in the team back. At training, he needs to be the best. He needs to work hard.’

United currently sit sixth – five points off the top four – as they prepare for a busy and crucial winter period.

With crunch league games against Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool coming up before Christmas, Varane is likely to get a chance, especially with Lisandro Martinez remaining on the sidelines.

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Gallas, though, has urged the centre-back to remain patient for that opportunity but said he must put together a much-improved performance when the time comes.

‘The season is long. Varane has to be patient and, when he gets an opportunity, he has to take it with both hands,’ he added.

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