Raphael Varane failed to live up to expectations at Manchester United – opinion

Raphael Varane joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2021.

This was a player arriving after enjoying incredible success throughout his career for club and country.

The French centre-back won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies during a 10-year stay at the Bernabeu.

On the international stage, Varane won the World Cup in 2014.

As a vastly experienced 28-year-old, at the time, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw a player who could add a touch of class to United’s defence and experience to the team.

It hasn’t quite worked out that way because Varane could not stay fit.

Injuries have restricted Varane to 93 appearances in his three seasons at United. It remains to be seen if he will play again before the end of the season.

Varane had his phenomenal spells at the back for United, too. The highlight was  winning the League Cup last season, helping the Reds end a six-year trophy drought, alongside Lisandro Martinez.

We will all remember the remarkable selfie… for being the beginning of the end for one of the best defenders Europe has seen over the past 10 years.

Ultimately, though, the Varane signing is just another transfer that didn’t go to plan, as he departs for nothing in the summer.

He will be no loss to a squad that needs fit players.

Emotional day for Varane

The 31-year-old said he expected a “very emotional day” as he prepared to say goodbye to the United fans in their final home game of the season against Newcastle on Wednesday.

“To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it has been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,” Varane told fans in a video shared on X.

“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a player was insane. The atmosphere was amazing.

“I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Manchester United to understand what that represents. For my kids, it’s home here. It is going to be a special place for me for life.”