Ten Hag dumps another Man Utd star as Ronaldo reunion on the cards

Robin Bairner

22 Nov 2023 08:28 GMT
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is set to follow Cristiano Ronaldo in being forced out of the club by manager Erik ten Hag, with a move to the Saudi Pro League touted.

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Varane has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford since the resurgent form of Harry Maguire, and has even dropped behind Jonny Evans in the pecking order, and a report from The Sun indicates that the former France international player will leave the Old Trafford side – but it won’t come until the summer.

Ten Hag is set to refuse offers for the 30-year-old during the January transfer window, though.

An unnamed source said: “The days are numbered for Raphael Varane at Manchester United, and the clock is ticking on his future.

“He started the season as a first-team player now he’s fourth choice behind Jonny Evans.

© ProShots - Varane is on his way out of Man Utd

“Leaving suits club and player, but he won’t be going anywhere in January.

"Ten Hag wants to keep the spine of his squad together to give United the best chance of making the top four. But in the summer, United will listen to offers.

"There’s already interest from Saudi Arabia where Varane could pocket a massive uplift in his wages. But he’s also keen on Italy as it’s a league he admires and would love to be a part of.”

© ProShots - Harry Maguire has overtaken Varane in the pecking order

Varane wants Man Utd exit

FootballTransfers understands that Varane would like to reunite with former Man Utd teammate Ronaldo, who was forced away from Old Trafford in a similarly inglorious manner by Ten Hag after finding himself a regular among the substitutes.

Al-Nassr have already made contact with Varane, according to our sources, although it appears that they will need to be patient if they want to reunite the World Cup winner and Ronaldo for a third spell, with the pair also having played together at Real Madrid.

Previously, Al-Ittihad made an approach for the Frenchman in the summer, which he turned down. Following his depleted role at Man Utd, though, his stance has changed.

The Sun, meanwhile, claims that Varane is also interested in a move to Serie A.