Manchester United defender Raphael Varane was withdrawn from the Red Devils' squad for their Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion due to illness.

The Frenchman was initially named in Ralf Rangnick's starting lineup for Tuesday's clash at Old Trafford and was set to partner captain Harry Maguire.

As revealed by Manchester United on Twitter, Varane was forced to pull out soon before kick-off, with Victor Lindelof taking his place in defence and goalkeeper Tom Heaton filling the bench.

Rangnick's men were still able to get back to winning ways, though, following up back-to-back draws with a 2-0 win on home turf to move two points clear of fifth-placed West Ham United.

The game remained goalless until after the break, but Cristiano Ronaldo put the Old Trafford side ahead in the 51st minute before Bruno Fernandes secured the points with a 97th-minute finish against the Seagulls' 10 men as Lewis Dunk was sent off early in the second half.

The club are yet to announce whether the Frenchman will miss any further action, with Sunday being the next test as Rangnick takes his side to Elland Road to do battle with Leeds United.