Transfer Talk: Varane future in doubt amid Red Devils rumours

Raphael Varane's time at Manchester United may have run its course.

The Frenchman arrived at the club with an excellent reputation and a remarkable list of trophies to his name from his time with Real Madrid.

But things have not gone as planned at Old Trafford, with Varane struggling for consistency and often sidelined by injuries.

As United prepare to face Wigan in the FA Cup, we look at what is next for the defender should he leave in the January transfer window.

Surplus to requirements

With United hoping to kick-start a new, more successful era, Varane is one of several high earners on the wrong side of 30.

That could mean he is dispensable as the club aim to build for the future.

Varane has just six months remaining on his current contract so United will need to cash in this month if they want to recoup some of the £41million fee they paid in 2021.

The World Cup winner has started just seven games in the Premier League this season and Erik ten Hag has often preferred veteran Jonny Evans at the heart of his defence.

Varane has featured more often in recent weeks due to injuries and his performance in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield was a reminder of his quality.

He completed the most clearances of any player on the pitch in that game (15), as well as making three interceptions, but such displays have been few and far between.

Awkward fit

Ten Hag was asked about rumours of a rift with Varane in November after choosing to play Evans alongside Harry Maguire in the Manchester derby.

The United boss said: "It is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships.

"Harry didn't play a lot last year, so I was very happy with Rapha's performances. I have always been happy with his performance. But there is internal competition.

"There are moments in certain games where [Varane and Maguire] can play together and they have already proven they can do it.

"But the build-up is not that fluid when one of them is playing from the left centre-back position."

Ten Hag's decision will be further complicated when Lisandro Martinez returns from injury and Varane could find himself even further down the pecking order.

Where next?

Any January move will depend on Varane's potential suitors.

The 30-year-old was linked with a possible return to Real Madrid but Carlo Ancelotti has since dismissed those rumours.

Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his defensive options for the second half of the season.

The Bundesliga champions are one of a small number of European clubs likely to be able to afford Varane's wage demands.

Another option could be a move to Saudi Arabia, now a popular destination for departing Premier League players over 30.

A prolonged stay in Manchester is beginning to less and less likely for Varane as he gears up for FA Cup action in Wigan.