Manchester United's Raphael Varane hits out at FA for pushing players to 'dangerous level' with new added time rules

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has criticised football’s law-makers for pushing players to a “dangerous level” with the introduction of new rules this season.

Varane appears to be specifically referring to the extra minutes set to be added on at the end of games.

Referees have been instructed to add on more time for any in-game delays in a bid to clamp down on time wasting.

The Community Shield saw Arsenal score a 101st-minute equaliser against Manchester City to take the game to penalties.

“We had a meeting last week with the FA,” Varane wrote on Twitter.

“They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules. From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.

“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players.

“We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?”

City boss Pep Guardiola seemed unhappy with the additional time played in the Community Shield and said players and managers had not been consulted about the changes.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saw the changes as positive but that 100-minute games should now be expected every week.

Varane added: “As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game.

“We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.

“I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.”

Manchester United start their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Monday, August 14.

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest will be live on TNT Sports 1 from 11.30am on Saturday, August 12.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media