Raphael Varane is reportedly considering two destinations for his next club with his Manchester United future uncertain given his lack of minutes. The Frenchman was a key part of Erik ten Hag’s defensive unit last season, establishing a strong partnership with Lisandro Martinez.
But the Argentina international’s injury setback has coincided with a change in tact from Ten Hag. Varane has been taken out of the starting line-up and has fallen behind Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans in the pecking order.
Ten Hag has played down rumours of a “rift” between the two, insisting Varane’s lack of minutes this year is due to the competition at the club. But at 30 years of age, Varane won’t want to settle for many more months on the bench at Old Trafford.
According to The Sun, he’s been left ‘stunned’ at his exile from the starting line-up given his influence on the team last year. Varane reportedly saw himself seeing out the rest of his career at Old Trafford, but his current situation has changed that.
A departure in January is unlikely, but Varane is said to be considering a move to either Saudi Arabia or Italy. Clubs in the Middle East are expected to continue their lavish spending for Europe’s biggest stars in the New Year and Varane would be top of their wishlist.
But Varane is also said to be an ‘admirer’ of Serie A and would consider a move to Italy if the right opportunity presented itself. The report adds that a bid in the region of £20million would likely see Varane leave United.
Varane has just over 18 months left on his Old Trafford contract and is one of the club’s highest earners. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to complete his minority stake purchase of United and take charge of football operations from the Glazers, it’s suggested that slashing the wage bill could be one of his first objectives.
Casemiro and Marcus Rashford are the only players at United who earn more than Varane’s reported £340,000-a-week deal. Varane may have to settle for another match on the sidelines this weekend as United travel to Everton on Sunday.
That game is swiftly followed by a must-win Champions League clash agaisnt Galatasaray, a competition Varane has been given the nod for the starting line-up.
