Varane forced off with injury as Man Utd crisis goes from bad to worse

Manchester United's crisis went from bad to worse in the first-half of their Champions League clash with Atalanta in Italy.

The Red Devils fell behind early on as Josip Iličić fired past David de Gea - and they then lost Raphael Varane to injury just before the break.

Varane pulled up after 36 minutes on a cold night in Bergamo and went down to receive treatment.

He instantly signalled he would be unable to continue, walking straight off and being replaced by Mason Greenwood as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reverted to a back four.

The big-name summer signing from Real Madrid has only recently returned from an injury lay-off and his latest setback comes as a major blow to United ahead of the Manchester derby against Manchester City at the weekend.

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Man Utd lost Raphael Varane to injury in the first half against Atalanta ( Image:

BT Sport)

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Varane picked up a groin injury for France in the Nations League final which saw him miss three United games as pressure on Solskjaer ramped up.

However, he was restored to the side as Solskjaer reverted to three centre-backs for the win over Tottenham which saved his job at the weekend.

But with Victor Lindelof, who stepped in for Varane previously, missing the trip to Italy with a knock picked up in training, Varane's latest setback is a major blow.

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Eric Bailly started alongside Varane and Harry Maguire - who has also struggled for fitness in recent weeks - and the pair formed a back two when the Frenchman was withdrawn.

Solskjaer now faces a selection headache at centre-back ahead of Saturday's home clash with City at Old Trafford.

Despite losing Varane, Cristiano Ronaldo levelled for United shortly after his withdrawal against Atalanta to ensure the sides went in level at the break.