Manchester United will refuse to sell Raphael Varane in January, although things could change for the £340,000-a-week star around the summer.
According to The Sun, Manchester United will only consider selling Raphael Varane next summer, with a January move ruled out. The Frenchman has not had the best seasons at Old Trafford and is at risk of losing his place in the starting lineup under Erik ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag is yet to find his best possible lineup for Manchester United this season, as there are plenty of changes afoot. The Dutchman was forced to make many tweaks following injuries and loss in form for many of his key players.
Manchester United’s disastrous start to the current campaign has links to the many injuries to their defenders. Since the season began, ten Hag has lost Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Raphael Varane.
The latter duo have since returned, but in Varane’s case, there are a lot of unanswered questions. Ten Hag has seemingly preferred veteran Jonny Evans over the £340,000-a-week star, and as things stand, the Frenchman is their fourth-choice centre-back.
While ten Hag cited his selection decisions as tactical, the re-emergence of Harry Maguire will cast doubts over Varane’s long-term prospects in the lineup. As things stand, it appears ten Hag would prefer the partnership of the England international and Martinez when the latter returns to fitness.
A recent report suggested Varane wants to leave amid problems with ten Hag. The £340,000-a-week star departing in January would complicate Manchester United’s plans for the next window, as the manager looks to add quality stars then.
Ten Hag does not want to sell Varane in January, and the club might oblige that request. There are many interested parties for the 30-year-old Frenchman despite his £340,000-a-week salary. The report points towards interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and Italy.
Bayern Munich are also keen, but Manchester United will resist the temptation of cashing in on the 30-year-old in January. Ten Hag still views Varane as a key performer in his system and wants to keep hold of him until the summer.
After the season ends, Manchester United could sell him, with a valuation of £17-20 million placed on the Frenchman. Hence, Varane, whether he likes it or not, could stay put at Old Trafford, although he must fight hard to regain his place in ten Hag’s starting lineup.
