What's the latest on Varane?

The France international was originally named in the starting line-up for the game at Old Trafford and was set to partner captain Harry Maguire in central defence for the fifth consecutive match.

However, around 40 minutes before the 20:15 GMT kick-off, it was announced that Varane was ill, with Victor Lindelof taking his position in the XI and Tom Heaton promoted to the substitutes' bench.

No further reasoning was provided prior to the beginning of the game, but after United had secured the three points thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, the interim manager provided an update on our no.19’s condition.

“On the way from the hotel, after dinner and the team meeting, he had stomach problems,” Rangnick told the BBC.

“We were hoping to get rid of it with medication but he did not feel well and that is why we played with Victor Lindelof instead.”

The Swede played his part in the Reds keeping a sixth Premier League clean sheet of the season, with four of these having arrived during Rangnick’s 11-game tenure.

Victor, who has himself been on the sidelines in recent weeks through a combination of personal reasons and illness, explained being prepared for these kinds of eventualities is part and parcel of the job.

“I am always ready for whatever so yeah, today they told me I was going to start late on but, like I said, I’m always ready and I’m happy to help the team,” he said.

“Usually I am not a nervous guy. I always trust my abilities and I know what I can do on the pitch. I prepare the same way even if I am playing or not so I’m always ready to play.”