A hell of a comeback. Last night, Manchester United won 3-2 against Aston Villa, after being down 2-0. A victory that does the Red Devils good. Back in the starting lineup, Raphaël Varane, who was absent during the last meeting because he was ill, did not really shine. THE Manchester Evening News gave it a score of 6 and added about it:“He failed to get the better of any of the set pieces from which Villa scored.” Same observation for the Daily Mail, who would have liked to see him as a leader. But this was not the case and Varane obtained a score of 5.
This does not help matters for the 2018 world champion, whose future has been the subject of much discussion in recent weeks. Indeed, he experienced a terrible downgrade, going from potential starter to last wheel under the orders of Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman seemed less convinced by the former Real Madrid man, who has had a little more playing time lately. Despite everything, this doesn’t change much in his situation. Under contract until 2024, with an option to extend for another year, the 30-year-old defender is starting to get fed up.
Two tracks have gone cold
In fact, on Monday, The Team explained that Varane is not coping very well with his situation. He is even more and more frustrated. Especially since his club is no longer really hiding. Recently, the Mancuniens exchanged several undesirables with Saudi Pro League clubs, including Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Raphaël Varane. But the latter is not interested in such a challenge. On the other hand, he certainly would not have said no to a return to Real Madrid. The Merengues are looking for a central defender after the injury to David Alaba.
The name of the Frenchman, formerly of Casa Blanca, was quickly mentioned. But El Chiringuito assures that he is not in the plans of the Madrilenians. The Varane clan also admitted not having been approached for the moment. While Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia represented two golden doors for the defender, they are not necessarily current. On the other hand, the native of Lille (15 matches in all competitions this season, editor’s note) still maintains a good rating on the market. His experience at a very high level, his composure and his many qualities still appeal.
Bayern Munich advances its pawns
This is the case in Germany where Bayern Munich still follows closely. At the end of November already, Sky Germany spoke of the Bavarians’ weakness for Varane. At the end of December, it is the turn of Sport to raise the subject. And now, we are at the flirting stage for the player born in 93. Without Matthijs de Ligt (injured) and Kim Min-jae who will play the Asian Cup with South Korea, Thomas Tuchel needs a additional defender. The sporting director, Christoph Freund, recognized that a player was coming. “We are short of players at the back, so in the coming weeks we have work to do.”
Clément Lenglet’s name has been circulating but Aston Villa is blocking it. Raphaël Varane, who will be free in six months, is more approachable and is very popular with management. Manchester United will not object to a departure this winter. If the specialized site transfermarkt estimates its value at 25 million euros, Sport explains that the residents of Old Trafford will open the door if an offer of 20 million euros arrives on their table. This may seem expensive for a free player next June. But the needs are significant at this position this winter. In a hellish situation at Manchester United, Raphaël Varane will perhaps find a smile again this winter.
