Manchester United reportedly haven’t sat down with Raphael Varane to discuss a potential new contract despite his current deal expiring at the end of June. The experienced centre-back has been one of Erik ten Hag’s most dependable players this season but looks set to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Reports claimed Varane had penned a four-year contract worth £340,000-a-week when he completed a £41million switch from Real Madrid in 2021.
However, that length has emerged as incorrect in recent months, with his three-year deal coming to an end after the current campaign’s conclusion.
United had a one-year extension option but decided against triggering it before January, leaving Varane free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs.
The Red Devils are said to want Varane to accept a pay cut in line with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to manage unsustainable costs he inherited at Old Trafford.
But that agreement doesn’t look likely to arrive. According to Fabrizio Romano, with just three months of his contract remaining, no talks are taking place.
United reportedly haven’t even sent a revised contract offer to Varane, indicating that they are ready to sanction his exit.
The World Cup winner, who turns 31 next month, has been plagued by frustrating injury problems since arriving in England.
But in an injury-stricken season, most of which Lisandro Martinez has missed, Varane has been available, making 28 appearances in all competitions.
United seemingly aren’t prepared to keep him on his eye-watering salary, though, and will open the exit door if he shows no signs of accepting a decrease.
Varane has often been hailed for his box defending, experience and leadership since landing in M16, three traits that would undoubtedly need replacing.
But the France international has fielded his fair share of criticism, too, including from outspoken former United captain Roy Keane.
The Sky Sports pundit has lofty standards, having led a relentless winning machine under Sir Alex Ferguson, and hasn’t shied away from blasting what United have become since the iconic Scot’s retirement.
Ahead of a 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur under Ralf Rangnick in March 2022, Keane questioned Varane and Harry Maguire’s character for wearing gloves during the warm-up.
As Sky showed pictures of United – fresh off a 4-1 derby defeat at Manchester City – warming up, Keane said: “Are they gloves?
“Are they wearing gloves? Is that what I’m seeing? Am I seeing things? That’s a great message, yeah.”
Maguire started the match without the hand accessories, but Varane kept them on as Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick lifted the mood near the end of a catastrophic first season at the club.
Both defenders’ futures are uncertain ahead of the summer transfer window, as are those of Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
Lindelof is entering the final year of his contract, Maguire almost left last summer, and Evans joins Varane in being available as a free agent in July.
United look set to require at least one new addition to cover for the upcoming exits if not two.
