Raphael Varane’s reported extended absence of more than a month has dealt Manchester United a severe blow.

Reports say that the French defender sustained an injury during the 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.

Raphael Varane could be out for up to six weeks

Harry Maguire could come back into the team

Varane could miss these five games for Man United

Sky Sports have now claimed that the knock Varane took could keep him out for up to six weeks.

Varane, 30, could now join Luka Shaw and Mason Mount on the treatment table as the club’s injury crisis worsens.

If he is out then the defender could miss vital games against Arsenal, Brighton, Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Brentford.

And distraught fans are now already claiming that Man United’s season is over on social media.

One Tweeted: “Seasons done.”

A second commented: “Ladies and gentlemen that is it the season is done.”

A third wrote: “6 weeks? Ten Hag is in so much trouble this season will be surprised if he makes it until the end.”

A fourth said: “Omg.”

While a fifth added: “Utterly disastrous, the club is in a total mess at the moment.”

This suggests that Varane’s anticipated injury might have an effect on Harry Maguire’s future, according to the source.

The defender had been linked with a loan move to West Ham despite issues with his United payment.

However, he might now need to re-join the squad at Old Trafford to fill in replace Varane.

Maguire is yet to play in the Premier League this season 

He is yet to feature in the Premier League this season and was named on the bench during the games against Wolves and Forest.

Manager Erik ten Hag could also turn to Victor Lindelof who can play at centre-back.

Jonny Evans could also be an option for United however his contract situation is not clear, with the club in talks over extending his stay.

Earlier this month, Ten Hag said: “In this moment, [he’s] not [under a long-term contract].

Jonny Evans could also be a replacement but his contract would need to be sorted out 

“I have to say, it’s a short [deal] for this month, he’s under contract. But we are talking.”

Varane’s likely injury may put an end to rumors that he may quit the club for Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, the defender was wanted by Al-Ittihad, where he would have joined fellow countrymen N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema.

Varane’s injury occurs just days after he criticized the FA for a rule change that has increased the length of games.

He predicted that the adjustment would result in an increase in player injuries.

How United line-up without Varane

Another way United could line-up without Varane