Manchester United are set to lose experienced defender Raphael Varane at the end of the season. The 31-year-old Frenchman will leave the club when his contract expires, bringing his two-year stint at Old Trafford to a close.
A Decorated Arrival:
Varane arrived at United in July 2021 with a hefty price tag of around £34 million. He joined from Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he had amassed an impressive trophy cabinet. During his time with Los Blancos, Varane secured three La Liga titles and a staggering four Champions League victories.
United Career Highlights:
While his time at United hasn’t quite mirrored his Real Madrid success story, Varane did contribute to the club’s 2023 Carabao Cup triumph under manager Erik ten Hag. He played a vital role in the team’s journey to the final, which they eventually won against Newcastle United.
A Challenging Season and Optimistic Farewell:
The current season hasn’t been the smoothest for Manchester United, currently sitting in eighth place in the Premier League. However, Varane remains positive about the club’s future. He expressed his faith in the new ownership’s “clear plan and great strategy.”
Injury Status and Final Goodbye:
A recent injury sustained during a 4-3 defeat by Chelsea has sidelined Varane. It remains uncertain if he’ll recover in time to participate in United’s remaining three games of the season. These include a home match against Newcastle United, a trip to Brighton for their final league fixture, and the highly anticipated FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
Varane has promised a heartfelt farewell to fans at Old Trafford during the club’s last home game of the season. It’s sure to be an emotional occasion as he bids adieu to the Red Devils faithful.