The tides of change are approaching at Manchester United, with an announcement on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion deal for a 25 per cent stake and control of sporting matters considered imminent. Erik ten Hag may oversee another ruthless squad clearout in 2024, and not many stars’ futures are as uncertain as Raphael Varane’s.
The 30-year-old has slipped down Ten Hag’s pecking order while Harry Maguire enjoys an unexpected renaissance on the right side of his centre-back partnership.
Varane hasn’t started in the Premier League since United’s 1-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace at the end of September.
Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have been preferred alongside Maguire due to Ten Hag’s strict beliefs on passing angles as he continues to encourage United to play out from the back.
It has reportedly left Varane disgruntled, and a departure in the January transfer window could be on the cards if an enticing offer arrives.
According to the Mail, Varane and Ten Hag’s relationship has broken down in recent weeks, sparked by his omission in last month’s 3-0 Manchester derby defeat.
The Dutchman opted for Evans – who returned to United aged 35 on a one-year deal in the summer – which is said to have left Varane unhappy.
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The pair are claimed to have exchanged views over the decision, and Ten Hag hammered home his stance by replacing the injured Evans with Lindelof against Luton Town last time out.
Ten Hag exclusively views Varane as a right-sided centre-back, which has grown problematic as Maguire’s form makes him an undroppable figure.
The report adds that Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in Varane, and the Bundesliga champions are weighing up a £25m move.
That would represent an attractive deal for United, who splashed £34m to sign the French World Cup winner from Real Madrid in 2021.
He has been a fan favourite at Old Trafford, with his post-match fist pumps to the crowd after a victory becoming a staple of a successful 2022/23 season.
However, it’s considered unlikely that Bayern can afford Varane’s £340,000-a-week salary, making him one of the Premier League’s highest earners.
United have reportedly discussed potential replacements, with fellow France international Jean-Clair Todibo a frontrunner, fuelled by OGC Nice owner Sir Jim and INEOS’ Old Trafford arrival.
Ten Hag is expected to recruit at least one new centre-back next year. Further reinforcements will depend on Lisandro Martinez’s injury recovery and Lindelof and Maguire’s futures.
