Manchester United stars Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans reportedly face uncertain futures until Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his minority buy-in at Old Trafford. INEOS are set to take control of the club’s sporting operations, and though the investment is expected to be in place by the end of the week, it may take time before the duo in question receive clarity.
Sir Jim was originally scheduled to complete his £1.2billion investment by Tuesday night’s deadline, but it has instead been pushed back 72 hours to Friday. The wheels are now turning towards a resolution after the British billionaire was approved by the Premier League’s directors and owners’ test.
Evans and Varane, who are both out of contract in the summer, are among those hoping things progress quickly. According to the Manchester Evening News, United will resist making concrete decisions on the duo’s future until Sir Jim and his INEOS team are in place at Old Trafford.
Manager Erik ten Hag faces a helpless wait in the meantime, with the Dutchman unable to provide assurances to two players he has used frequently this season until INEOS appoint key personnel, which may prove to be a time-consuming process.
Varane completed a £34million move from Real Madrid in 2021, and though his deal expires in June, it includes the option of a further year.
United have shown no intention of triggering that option as yet, but Varane has worked his way into Ten Hag’s starting XI after spending the opening few months of the campaign on the sidelines.
Both Varane and Evans have been invaluable this campaign, with Lisandro Martinez’s injury issues leaving Ten Hag short of options. United have won their last four matches on the spin, including an impressive 2-1 victory at Villa Park on Sunday.
Anthony Martial, Tom Heaton and Brandon Williams also out of contract at the end of the season and could be moved on by United’s new regime.
