Erik ten Hag: 'No decision on futures of Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans'

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that no decision has been made on the futures of either Raphael Varane or Jonny Evans, with the duo both out of contract at the end of June.

The Red Devils decided against activating a 12-month extension in Varane's contract earlier this year, with the France international's current terms therefore due to expire this summer.

Evans is also entering the latter stages of the one-year deal that he penned at Old Trafford last September, having impressed for the Red Devils during pre-season.

Varane has made 21 appearances for Man United this season, while Evans has featured 19 times, with the Northern Ireland international benefitting from defensive absences.

Ten Hag was asked about the centre-back duo during his press conference to preview Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, and the Dutchman said that no decisions had been made.

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"We haven't made that decision yet," said the manager on Thursday afternoon.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have both recently returned from fitness problems, but Lisandro Martinez, who has only just recovered from a second foot operation in quick succession, is now out until the start of April due to the knee injury which he suffered against West Ham United on Sunday.

Maguire and Varane could potentially start against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, with Lindelof and Evans providing the cover on the bench.

Varane is believed to be attracting the interest of clubs in Saudi Arabia, and there have been claims that he will move on this summer in search of a fresh challenge.

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Evans has played 14 Premier League matches this season, but he was only signed as back-up and could be moved on if Man United keep both Maguire and Lindelof this summer.

Ten Hag also said on Thursday that his side will have to be at their 'maximum level' to secure all three points against a Villa side that are enjoying a brilliant campaign, sitting fourth in the Premier League table.

"It's very good how he (Aston Villa manager Unai Emery) develops this team and it is very clear how they want to play in and out of possession. I think the players know exactly what they have to do," he added.

"Their jobs and how they have to contribute with each other. They are a really good team and they have weapons in their team. We have to play our maximum levels to get the result."

Man United are currently sixth in the Premier League table, six points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and eight from fourth-placed Villa.