He was never celebrated like Virgil van Dijk or Sergio Ramos – objectively, he’s not of that calibre – but Raphael Varane had his place, not insignificant, in teams that represented fear and dominance. He was a world champion with France in 2018, won the Champions League four times with Real Madrid, also claimed the FIFA Club World Cup title the same number of times, and has three La Liga titles to his name…And then, in three seasons at Manchester United, a club that, until 10 or 15 years ago, was toe to toe with Real for the title of the most dominant in the world, he secured just one trophy. And it happened to be the least valuable one, the League Cup trophy. Coupled with the general impression that he wasn’t the player he was at Madrid anymore.Thank you for everything, @ManUtd ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4nwJxk4ddf— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) May 14, 2024 But Manchester United, a giant on its knees, is not a club which is producing big champions anymore, but rather ‘killing’ the already proven ones. The French defender has today confirmed what was already known: when his contract with United expires in June, it won’t be renewed. The club wasn’t interested either, as Varane was among the highest-paid players in the team. He cost the club just under 400,000 euros per week, around 20,000,000 annually. Still, he arrived as a big ‘beast’, in a transfer worth 40,000,000, and was welcomed with thunderous applause against Leeds.”To you guys, supporters of Manchester United it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt. The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents. Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners (United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe) are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy” Varane said on his Instagram post.Henry knows why Real sold United’s flops Varane and CasemiroHe has played 93 games for the club so far and contributed to winning the League Cup in 2023, United’s first in six seasons. So, where to now? That’s still unknown. But considering Varane recently spoke about playing his worst games with a concussion and advised his son not to use his head during training because of it, it seems he’s already at an age where he’s thinking more about health than football. Maybe a league in the MLS? Saudi Arabia? The Arabs have already gone after Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro…PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 37SaturdayFulham – Man.City 0-4 (0-1)/Gvardiol 13, 71, Foden 59, Alvarez 90+7 pen/Wolverhampton – Crystal Palace 1-3 (0-2)/Cunha 68 – Olise 26, Mateta 29, Eze 73/Everton – Sheffield Utd 1-0 (1-0)/Doucoure 30/Tottenham – Burnley 2-1 (1-1)/Porro 32, Van De Veen 82 – Bruun Larsen 25/Bournemouth – Brentford 1-2 (0-0)/Solanke 90 – Mbeumo 87, WIssa 90+6/Newcastle – Brighton 1-1 (1-1)/Longstaff 45+5 – Veltman 18/West Ham – Luton 3-1 (0-1)/Ward-Prowse 54, Soucek 66, Earthy 77 – Lokonga 6/Nott.Forest – Chelsea 2-3 (1-1)/Boly 16, Hudson-Odoi 75 – Mudryk 8, Sterling 80, Jackson 82/SundayMan.Utd. – Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)/Trossard 21/Monday22:00: (4.40) Aston Villa (3.90) Liverpool (1.75)***odds are subject to change***
