At 30 years old, the collective honours of France’s Raphael Varane are as impressive as any player in the game. But, an array of injuries has left many supporters questioning his long-term suitability at Manchester United, with expectations that Erik ten Hag is planning for life without the World Cup-winning defender.
That is according to David McDonnell, who has reported that Varane is expected to leave the club in the Summer, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS powerhouse monitoring several alternatives to bolster Ten Hags defensive options in moving forward with a highly-publicised rebuild.
Few United supporters will forget the moment that Varane walked onto the field at Old Trafford, waving to his adoring support before capturing an iconic selfied at centre field. His arrival solidified an overwhelming feeling of change at the club, with the four-time UEFA Champions League winner determined to make his mark in the Premier League.
However, his time at the club has been stop-and-start, with injuries dictating any form of momentum. Following his transfer on August 14, 2021, for €40 Million from La Liga giants Real Madrid, the Frenchman has missed a total of 177 days through a variety of injuries, or a staggering 39 games in two and a half years.
Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite is linked with a move to Old Trafford after a string of impressive performances has left many purring in anticipation for the potential arrival of the talented 21-year-old. His age and talent represent a standard for a new-look United backline, one which has the potential to grow for years to come.
While Ten Hags’ future at the club remains uncertain, the long-term vision is one of change and effective acquisitions to bolster the manager at the home of the 20-time-winners of the Premier League. When factoring finances into the equation, substituting the wages of both players could align with the upcoming policies of United’s best-in-class setup.
Let us know what you think about the future of Varane and the potential arrival of Branthwaite. Is this the type of move that the club should be making?
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