The downfall of Raphaël Varane at Manchester United: What went wrong?

Erik ten Hag had no choice but to dismiss the French defender, who has been a shadow of himself since the start of the season. “Manchester United is one of the most most iconic players in world football and the chance to come here and play in the Premier League is something I couldn’t turn down. I want to make an impact here and I will give anything to be part of this club’s illustrious history.” Raphaël Varane looked like a man motivated to add a new trophy to his illustrious career when he was unveiled as a United player in August 2021. The club invested £40 million ($49 million ) in the 28-year-old after his decision to turn down a new contract at Real Madrid, which seemed like a good deal at the time. Article continues below After 10 seasons, 360 matches, four Champions Leagues and three Champions Leagues, Varane left Santiago Bernabéu as a Real legend. But he was not missed by the Spanish giants. The Whites achieved the championship-Europe double in their first season without Varane, who must have secretly regretted leaving after a disastrous first year at Old Trafford. He struggled to adapt to life in English football and struggled with recurring injuries as United fell to sixth place in the Premier League. The appointment of Erik ten Hag, however, allowed Varane to return to form in 2022-23, forging a formidable partnership with new recruit Lisandro Martinez. This solid foundation in defense was crucial for the Red Devils, who regained their place in the Champions League while ending a five-year drought by winning the Carabao Cup. Despite being 30 years old, Varane continued to prove that he was capable of playing at the highest level and deserved a guaranteed place in Ten Hag’s starting XI. But in the space of a few months, this dynamic has completely changed. The World Cup winner has suddenly fallen to fourth place in United’s center-back hierarchy, and can’t even be included in the team ahead Jonny Evans, the 35-year-old workhorse who joined the club on a surprise free transfer over the summer period. Varane has nothing to complain about either. In Varane’s absence, United look like a more cohesive unit and it’s hard to see a way back for him. What went wrong for the former Madrilenian?
2023-11-14 07:04:42
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