Man Utd's PERFECT Varane replacement is already at Old Trafford

Cameron Smith

• 8 Apr 2024 17:30 BST
• 4 min read

Raphael Varane faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, but the Red Devils may not need to dip into the transfer market to find his successor.

Varane, 30, moved to Old Trafford for €40 million in 2021, arriving at the club following a trophy-laden spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Injuries have plagued his time in the Premier League, but Varane remains one of Man Utd’s first-choice central defenders when fully fit and his possible departure has the potential to cause a serious problem this summer.

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Saudi Pro League clubs have been linked with a move for the Frenchman and another reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr is certainly on the cards for Varane - whose contract at Old Trafford is due to expire in 2025.

With Varane potentially heading for the exit, Man Utd are prioritising a new right-side centre-back, while Jarrad Branthwaite is their primary target on the left, amid Lisandro Martinez’s injury woes.

Jean-Clair Todibo and Gleison Bremer have been labelled as the most likely candidates to replace Varane at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils could well save their money for another area on the pitch - potentially left-back - due to the emergence of Willy Kambwala.

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Can Willy Kambwala become Man Utd’s replacement for Raphael Varane?

Kambwala has made eight first-team appearances so far this season and he shone during Man Utd’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. Kambwala spent the majority of the game tangled in a battle with Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez and the young Man Utd star certainly emerged as the winner.

He was physically dominant, despite his young age and lack of Premier League experience, whilst Kambwala was also astute in possession for the most part.

Of course, there were still inconsistencies in his game that will need ironing out - an error on the ball almost led to a dangerous Liverpool chance before he recovered superbly - but Kambwala appears to have all the attributes necessary to compete at the top level.

His pace and strength helped nullify one of the most dangerous, and chaotic, forwards in world football - in the shape of Nunez - and he will only get better with consistent minutes.

Jarell Quansah has been trusted by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool this season and the Reds don’t look as though they need to sign a replacement for Joel Matip; the same could be said for United and Varane if Kambwala is handed the opportunity to thrive in the first-team.