Manchester, England: In a surprising turn of events at Old Trafford, World Cup-winning defender Raphael Varane finds himself on the fringes of the Manchester United squad, raising questions about his future with the club.
Since the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in September, Varane has not featured in the starting lineup for a Premier League match, and his absence was notably felt during the recent Manchester derby, where United suffered a 3-0 defeat.
Reports suggest that Varane, who was unhappy with being dropped for the crucial derby, is contemplating a departure from the club.
However, manager Erik ten Hag is not willing to sanction any exit in the upcoming January transfer window, given the squad’s current state of depletion.
Experts indicates that Varane’s departure is more likely to occur in the summer, with the defender already eyeing his next destination.
Despite earlier speculations of a possible return to Real Madrid, it seems highly unlikely, paving the way for a potential move to Saudi Arabia. This would align with the recent trend, as former United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Telles have already made similar moves.
Nevertheless, if Varane prefers to stay in Europe, Italy emerges as the most probable destination. Both Juventus and Inter Milan are reportedly keen on bolstering their defensive options, especially after Inter lost Milan Skriniar to Paris Saint-Germain in the previous summer.
However, the stumbling block for any potential suitor may be Varane’s hefty £340,000-a-week wages at United. Clubs interested in securing the services of the Frenchman will need to navigate the financial aspect carefully.
Varane’s fall down the pecking order at Old Trafford is notable, with manager Ten Hag favoring Jonny Evans and a preference for a left-footed defender.
While Varane’s usual deputy, Lisandro Martinez, is currently sidelined with an injury, Harry Maguire’s return to form has further complicated matters for the Frenchman.
Victor Lindelof, usually a center-back, has been utilized as an auxiliary right-back due to injuries to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot covering for the injured Luke Shaw.
The Frenchman joined Manchester United in 2021 amid much fanfare, hailed as a marquee signing after a successful stint with Real Madrid, including three consecutive Champions League titles.
Last season, Varane played a crucial role in United’s impressive defensive record, contributing to 17 clean sheets—the most in the Premier League.
However, this season has seen a stark contrast, with defensive struggles plaguing United. Despite Ten Hag’s assurances of no fallout between him and Varane, the French defender’s absence from the starting XI raises questions about his future role at the club.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see how the situation unfolds.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members