Raphael Varane could QUIT Man United as relationship with Erik ten Hag 'breaks down': report

By Tom Hancock
published

Varane has found himself having to settle for a spot on the Man United bench lately – how long will he put up with that?

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Raphael Varane of Manchester United applauds the fans following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on November 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Raphael Varane has reportedly lost patience with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, sparking speculation that the centre-back could leave Old Trafford.

The Frenchman joined United for £41m in the summer of 2021 and was a key player for the side during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns – but he has fallen down the pecking order this season, finding himself among the substitutes for his side's last five games in all competitions.

That's despite injuries to the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans leaving Ten Hag with limited options at the heart of his defence.

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 2: Head coach Erik ten Hag (R) and Raphael Varane (L) of Manchester United attend a press conference ahead of UEFA Champions League week 2 football match between Galatasaray and Manchester United on October 2, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Are Raphael Varane and Erik ten Hag set to part ways? (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Metro, Bayern Munich are pondering a January swoop for Varane – who is currently valued at around £30m by Transfermarkt.

However, Bayern are said to have a fee of £25m in mind for the former Real Madrid player, 30.

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Talk of Varane potentially exiting United comes after he was benched once again for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford last month.

The 2018 World Cup winner's relationship with Ten Hag is said to have 'broken down' following a 'frank' discussion after his omission from the starting 11 for that game.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Raphael Varane of Manchester United ahead of the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane on October 21, 2023 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Varane has started only one of Man United's last eight matches (Image credit: Getty Images)

Varane's contract with the Red Devils runs until the end of next season – so United are rather running out of time to generate a fee in any case.

Might they be tempted by interest from Bayern (or any other club, for that matter) in the winter transfer window? 

Only time will tell – but, only a couple of months on from Jadon Sancho's very public falling out with Ten Hag, Varane appears to remain far from his manager's first name on the teamsheet.

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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann.

Meanwhile, a former Barcelona defender could potentially be on his way to Old Trafford.

And a bargain deal for a Serie A striker might also be in the offing.

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Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for The Analyst and When Saturday Comes, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...