Raphaël Varane has been ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury in a serious blow to Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjær is set to be without the World Cup-winning defender for up to five matches, starting with Saturday's visit of Manchester City.

Varane suffered the injury in the first half of Tuesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Atalanta. The Frenchman had only just returned from a groin strain for Saturday’s 3-0 win at Tottenham, having previously played for United in a 1-1 draw with Everton on October 2nd.

United's defence is a particular weakness this season, the clean sheet at Spurs only a second in 23 matches, stretching back to April. Harry Maguire is struggling for form but with Solskjær having switched to three man-defence for the past two games Varane's absence means it is unlikely the captain will be dropped for City's visit.

United said: “The club confirms that Raphaël sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for around a month. We’d like to wish Raphaël all the best as he works on his recovery.” – Guardian