Manchester United should avoid the prospect of losing Raphael Varane on a free transfer.
The Frenchman has been a key player for the Red Devils since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2021, but his future is uncertain beyond the current campaign.
His current £340,000-a-week deal expires at the end of June and United have decided against triggering an extension clause to keep him for another year.
As things stand, no talks are scheduled with the World Cup winner and Mirror report that the 30-year-old is ‘expected‘ to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
In our opinion, United need to discuss fresh contract terms with the world-class star. They could regret the decision of releasing him at the end of the season.
Varane remains Man Utd’s best option at right centre-back
The Frenchman is currently in his third season with United. He has been a fantastic performer, but has failed to stay unscathed over the course of a campaign.
Varane has missed 37 matches for United due to different injury concerns, but he has been a regular in the matchday squad this term, missing only five games.
His reduced minutes have been due to manager Erik ten Hag’s surprise preference for Harry Maguire earlier this season. We believe Varane should be first-choice in the right centre-back role.
The ex-Madrid man has a passing accuracy of 89 per cent in the top-flight this term. He has won 68 per cent of his duels alongside 4.3 clearances and 3.2 recoveries per game.
His statistics are much better than Maguire who has completed 84 per cent of his passes. He has won 61 per cent of his duels with 3.3 clearances and 3.3 recoveries per outing.
United could be eyeing a young centre-back this summer, but we firmly feel the hierarchy should keep hold of Varane and look at the prospect of offloading Maguire instead.
The club are reluctant to extend Varane’s contract with the clause. In our opinion, talks should be held over a new long-term deal with a reasonable pay-cut on his current wages.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
