Ten Hag: Varane out until World Cup

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Manchester United's squad for Thursday's Europa League game against Sheriff Tiraspol, but Raphael Varane has been ruled out until the World Cup.

Ten Hag also revealed Varane will be out for the foreseeable future after suffering a reported knee injury against Chelsea at the weekend.

Ten Hag revealed the France international will not feature for United before the World Cup - which begins on November 20 - but thinks he can still compete in the tournament.

"Raphael Varane isn't in the squad," Ten Hag said. "He will be out, certainly, until the World Cup.

The United defender departed that game early and in tears after stretching awkwardly while attempting to challenge Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

In addition to Ronaldo's return, captain Harry Maguire, midfielder Donny van de Beek and right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also back in United's squad. Forward Anthony Martial remains on the sidelines.

Ten Hag added: "Harry, Donny and Aaron are all in training and preparing for Thursday's game.

"After training [on Wednesday] I will make a decision."

Maguire, who has been out with a muscle problem, started the first two matches of Ten Hag's reign but poor form and subsequent enforced absence have seen him feature just three further times for United.

That has provided a headache for both the Dutchman and England boss Gareth Southgate, who names his World Cup squad in a fortnight's time.

"He always will play an important role," Ten Hag said of Maguire. "He was injured.

"I'm happy he is on the way back so now he has to get back into games.

"I understand the interest (about his game time in England) but we especially look at Manchester United.

"We have to get the right results and performances, so that is the main objective I have."