Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Manchester United make decision on ageing defender after underwhelming campaign

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated 4/9/24

There will be new faces in the Manchester United squad next season, but the question is who will remain? The future looks bleak for Raphael Varane if the World Cup-winning Frenchman intends to stay at the club.

According to Football Insider, a decision has been made to part ways with Varane at the end of the season.

The former Real Madrid defender is out of contract in the summer, and United have opted not to trigger a one-year option. We knew signing him that the Spanish giants don’t get rid of players unless they are past their best and now it is time for us to find a centre-back who will reach similar heights.

It is suggested in the report that United have recently held fresh talks with Varane, who is set to leave at the end of his contract.

Varane has made 93 appearances in all competitions for United since his 2021 transfer from Madrid.

The former France international missed the 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday due to injury, although Willy Kambwala stepped up and performed brilliantly in the heart of United’s defence. It remains to be seen whether Varane can return against Bournemouth next week.

United have been linked with a number of options at centre-back like Jarrad Branthwaite and Antonio Silva. Furthermore, we’ve no doubt there will be more names linked with the club between now and the end of the season.

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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