Raphael Varane Announces Departure from Manchester United

Raphael Varane has announced that he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season when his contract expires, marking the end of his three-year stint at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old former French international defender joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2021 for an initial fee of around £34 million ($43 million). Over his tenure, Varane made 93 appearances and scored twice. He also contributed to the team’s victory in the 2023 League Cup, which ended a six-year trophy drought for United.

Varane’s time at the club has been plagued by injuries, and he has not played since United’s 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on April 4. However, he hopes to be fit to return before the season concludes.

In a heartfelt message on social media, Varane said, “To the supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years playing for this special club and wearing that shirt. The first time I stepped onto the pitch at Old Trafford as a Man United player was unforgettable; the atmosphere was electric. I fell in love with the club and the fans. You have to play for Man United to truly understand what it represents.”

Despite a tough season for the team, Varane remains hopeful about the club’s future, pointing to new ownership under Jim Ratcliffe and their clear strategy as positive signs.

Manchester United acknowledged Varane’s upcoming departure in a statement, commending him for the “class and experience” he brought to the squad. “Rapha is most recognized for his unflappable work at the heart of the defense, showcasing his undoubted quality since joining the club,” the statement read.

This season has been challenging for United, who currently sit in eighth place in the Premier League with 14 defeats, making European qualification unlikely. Erik ten Hag’s team has two league matches remaining against Newcastle and Brighton before facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.