Manchester United’s questionable transfer record has been exposed again, with Raphael Varane costing the club £500,000 per game. The £41 million center-back, plagued by injuries, confirmed he is leaving this summer after United declined to extend his contract.

Since he arrived from Real Madrid in August 2021, Varane has played 93 matches but missed 41, raising concerns about the value for money, especially as he earns around £350k a week. This situation underscores why minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks a new vision for transfers, demanding better value and long-term planning. Incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth will play a key role in this overhaul, amid uncertainty about Erik ten Hag’s future. Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, a 6ft 5ins Englishman, has emerged as a potential replacement for Varane, with United keen to fend off Newcastle’s interest.

Varane, however, remains sentimental about his time at Old Trafford, saying, “It’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. For my kids, it’s home here.” Varane’s departure marks the end of an era and a call for strategic changes at Manchester United.

Raphaël Varane

Manchester United

Defender

France

Age: 31

191 cm

81 kg

Season 2023/2024

See all

Played 5 1 Missed

Minutes 445 89.0 Avg

Goals 0 0.0 Avg

Assist 0 0.0 Avg

Attempt 0 0.0 Avg

Passes 290 58.091.6% AvgSucc

Yellow 0 0.0 Avg

Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 21 times for 1353 minutes for Premier League.

Raphaël Varane scored 1 goal for Manchester United. He procured no assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 8th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United lost 1-0 against Arsenal. The next match in Premier League will be against Newcastle United.