Raphael Varane is hoping his one-year contract extension will be triggered by Manchester United despite seeing his game-time limited this term.
The four-time Champions League winner’s deal is set to expire in June 2024 unless United opt to activate the clause for an extra season. The club had initially announced that he signed a four-year deal when he arrived in 2021, however, further inspection of the terms has since revealed that this is not the case, and it was in fact for three years with the option of a fourth.
Varane, 30, has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag as of late – much to the surprise of the Old Trafford faithful given his world-class talents at centre-half and vast experience across major competitions.
Alas, it comes amid Harry Maguire’s resurgent form, which has led to the Englishman more recently being awarded the Premier League’s Player of the Month award; a prospect which would’ve been unthinkable for him last season when he spent most of his time sat watching on from the substitutes’ bench.
Varane uninterested in United exit
Varane was granted starts in United’s past two matches – away to Liverpool in the Premier League and the final group-stage game against Bayern Munich in Europe. The latter saw Maguire sustain an unfortunate groin injury and be replaced by veteran Jonny Evans, who then partnered the World Cup winner at Anfield on Sunday for the first time.
Prior to his inclusion in the starting 11, Varane had been feeling ‘forced out’ after starting just one of the previous 13 games, according to Manchester Evening News. However, he is keen to see out his contract with United and hopes the club will act accordingly. If not, he is free to talk to foreign clubs from next month over a potential exit.
