Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has backed manager Erik ten Hag this week.

The Dutch coach chose to strip Harry Maguire of the club's captaincy and transfer the position to Bruno Fernandes.

While United's players may have been surprised at such an offseason move, given Maguire is still at the club, Varane gave his full backing to the Dutch coach.

"He wants a team with character and he's the leader so he has to show it himself. He's not scared to take these decisions and take that responsibility. That is what we expect from the manager. He did it so I think, with things like this, you show by example," he told ESPN.

"He knows exactly what he wants. He's shown that determination and from the first day we've known exactly what we've had to do and where he wants to go.

“It's all clear for the players and for the team and we have a good connection with the manager."