Raphael Varane could look to leave Manchester United in Janaury after a breakdown in relations with manager Erik ten Hag.
According to Team Talk, the former France international could consider ditching United after running into problems with Ten Hag and losing his place in the team (even when fit).
United’s difficult season has been made worse by injuries, especially in defence, and Varane is no stranger to the treatment room.
However, Ten Hag has decided to play veteran Jonny Evans ahead of Varane in recent games, only to cite ‘tactical reasons’ as his excuse for not selecting the World Cup winner. The report in question suggests the former Real Madrid defender has grown frustrated with his manager and could seek an exit as early as January.
At least with Evans, despite his age, you know he’ll give you a run of games. Varane’s injury record is so hit and miss that he’s only in the team a short while before he’s ruled out again.
Varane, who pockets £17 million per year at Old Trafford, will find it difficult to earn the same salary elsewhere unless he sells his soul to the Saudi Pro League. It remains to be seen if the Frenchman is interested in moving his career to the Middle East.
There’s also speculation that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are interested in Varane, but they will likely weigh up the pros and cons before signing a 30-year-old centre-back with a poor track record for injuries.
In turn, United have been heavily linked with a move for OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo. While we could lose Varane’s wealth of experience, Todibo at least looks like a step into the future – and not just for United, but France too.
It remains to be seen what stance United will take to potentially losing Varane in January since Ten Hag has been short on options across defence due to injuries.
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