Unexpected comeback? Star defender wants to leave Manchester United out of frustration, may strengthen French sensation

Manchester United is only the third club in his career. Raphaël Varane has been a mainstay since his arrival. But now the whole team is languishing and he is one of coach Erik ten Hag’s scapegoats. His place in the line-up is far from secure and he is frustrated with the whole situation at the club. Will he go back to where he started?

He started his career in Lens, France. Raphaël Varane moved from the town, which now has around 30,000 inhabitants, to Real Madrid as a great talent. He spent a wonderful 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

During his time in Spain, the French stopper ranked among the best defenders on the planet. He played 360 games for the big club from the local capital across all competitions, winning the Champions League or the Club World Cup four times.

In total, Varane has collected 18 trophies with Real Madrid. He picked up two more with the France national team, which he helped lead to a World Cup title and a Nations League victory. In the summer of 2021, however, he took another step in his career.

The now 30-year-old defender took on a new big challenge and left for England. He was recruited by Manchester United, for whom a stopper of his quality was a perfect fit. He quickly became a mainstay. When he was healthy, he was usually in the starting line-up.

But this season has been a nightmare. Not only for him, but for the whole of Manchester United, who will not play in any of the European cups this spring and are languishing on home soil.

Will Varane leave Manchester United?

Although the coach Erik ten Hag denies it everywhere, the situation in the Red Devils’ cabin is being discussed in most of the British media. The players are reportedly at odds with the Dutch coach, not happy with his approach or tactics.

It is worth mentioning that Raphaël Varane has dropped out of the starting line-up. Or rather, he has lost the certainty that he will appear in it. He has spent several games only on the bench. According to the French newspaper L’Équipe, he is very frustrated with the whole situation.

So much so that he is even considering leaving Manchester United. What’s next? There are two options. There has been speculation in Spain that he could return to Real Madrid, who are plagued by a large squad. However, that is not the Frenchman’s preference.

Varane himself is reportedly in favour of returning to his home country, Lens. The small-town side has risen to the top of the French club ranks in recent years through conceptual work, and a reinforcement like Varane would certainly help the club.

The French stopper has stated on more than one occasion that he will end his career at either Real Madrid, Manchester United or Lens, although there has also been interest in Saudi Arabia. A return to Lens is said to be a definite possibility, however, it would be financially challenging for the club.

Varane is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025.

Source: L’Équipe