Manchester United star feels he’s being ‘pushed out’ of the club
Raphael Varane seems to be not feeling the love at Manchester United, as the Red Devils have decided against extending his contract by one year.
Earlier this week, it was reported by several outlets that United triggered the one-year extension clause in Victor Lindelof’s contract. The Swede international hasn’t nailed down a regular spot in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI and hasn’t looked convincing every time he has stepped onto the pitch either.
However, Lindelof’s reasonable wages and his attitude despite no guarantees over playing time have made him a quality squad option for Ten Hag.
Manchester United decide against extending Raphael Varane’s contract
At the same time, Varane, who’s comfortably a better and more reliable centre-back than Lindelof, is now free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England after the latest development. As things stand, he’ll be free to depart for nothing at the end of the season.
The Frenchman, who earns north of £300,000-a-week at Old Trafford, feels he is being pushed out of Manchester United, as per the Manchester Evening News. He had hoped the club would take up the one-year option on his deal, as he has no desire to depart this month.
The Premier League giants maintain that no players will be pushed out.
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Having said that, clearing the 30-year-old’s wages off the books should improve United’s financial fair play situation. Despite his past achievements, Varane isn’t a clear-cut starter right now due to his lack of technical ability in possession and frequent injury issues.
When compared to the likes of Lindelof, who’s 16 months younger than him, the France international also seems a too luxury option for a squad player role.