Manchester United could allow star player to leave if he refuses to accept a huge pay cut

Raphael Varane will be allowed to exit from Manchester United on a free transfer at the end of the season if he fails to find an agreement on a new deal on a reduced salary. 

The Frenchman has started four games on the trot in the absence of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. However, considering his lack of technical ability with the ball at his feet, it won’t surprise many if he returns to the bench once the two centre-backs return to full fitness. When Maguire was fit earlier in the season, Varane was frequently dropped from the starting XI.

Combine this with his shaky injury record, and it would make sense for United to cut ties with the 30-year-old come the end of the season when his current contract at Old Trafford expires.

Manchester United want Raphael Varane to accept pay cut

Manchester United do have an option to extend Raphael Varane’s contract by a further year, but the club’s hierarchy have shown no signs of doing that. In fact, he’s now free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England.

However, it’s being suggested United are open to handing Varane a new deal, albeit on one crucial condition. According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the Red Devils will only extend his deal if he agrees to drastically reduce his wages.

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Crook said: “When he was signed it was dressed up as a contract to the summer of 2025, when actually it turns out it’s a contract until the end of this season with a year’s option. United have decided not to take up that option. They would still like Varane to stay but on dramatically reduced wages.”

It seems United value the former Real Madrid man’s experience and see him as a valuable squad option but they don’t think it warrants a massive salary. He’s believed to be one of the highest earners at the club.