Manchester United are hopeful of salvaging their 2023/24 season by winning their final three matches, especially the FA Cup final against Manchester City. However, before that, the club announced that veteran defender Raphael Varane would be leaving after the end of the campaign.
Manchester United Announce Raphael Varane’s Impending Departure
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When Will Raphael Varane Leave United?
The Red Devils have confirmed that the World Cup winner will no longer be a part of the team after this season finishes. In an official statement, they wrote: “The centre-back has been absent since the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on 4 April but he is currently working hard on his recovery from injury and hopes to be available again before the end of the campaign.
“There are Premier League matches to come against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, before the Emirates FA Cup final versus Manchester City on 25 May. Everybody at United thanks Rapha for his service and wishes him well for the future. Raphael Varane has confirmed he will leave Manchester United in the summer, upon the expiry of his contract, following three seasons at Old Trafford.”
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As a result, Varane will officially end his tenure as a Manchester United player on July 1, as his current contract is valid until June 30, 2024. After that, he is set to become a free agent and start a new chapter in his decorated career.
Varane failed to negotiate a new contract with the Red Devils, who reportedly decided that they will not activate a one-year extension to the contract he signed upon joining from Real Madrid in 2021. A reason for this is that the club didn’t want to keep giving him a £340,000-a-week wages and the center-back’s representatives couldn’t agree to a modified deal either.
What Did Varane Say On His Old Trafford Exit?
Varane posted an emotional message to the United fans after his exit was confirmed and said in the message: “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years, to play for this special club and wear that shirt. For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me, for life.”
“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.”
“When the fans go to Wembley, it’s something they remember for life. To share that moment with them (last season) was absolutely amazing. Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future. The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy. I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season and it’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.”
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Varane hailed as “exceptional” upon his arrival at Old Trafford, failed to live up to the standards after winning four UEFA Champions League titles at Real Madrid. In three seasons, he’s only been able to make 93 appearances for the Red Devils and missed over 40 matches due to injury or illness. As a result, United have decided to let him leave and are likely to push for a new centre-back signing in the summer.
