Raphael Varane announces emotional Man Utd departure

Tom Weber

• 14 May 2024 11:35 BST
• 4 min read

Breaking

Raphael Varane has officially announced that he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

The veteran centre-back's summer exit had been rumoured for some time after it was surprisingly revealed that, contrary to Man Utd's public claims, the Frenchman was only on a guaranteed contract until this year.

The club had the option to extend his deal by another season but opted not to. It had been speculated that the Red Devils could look to offer Varane fresh terms on a reduced salary in a bid to cut their wage bill and ease concerns about Profit and Sustainability Rules, but no offer was ultimately forthcoming.

READ MORE: Man Utd striker Hojlund won't become Premier League great - Neville

Now, the 31-year-old has officially announced that he is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, likely the first of many big-name players to depart this summer as Man Utd get set for a major overhaul under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Given Varane's accolades and ability, fans are naturally sad to see him leave, though the former Real Madrid man's availability - or lack thereof - has been the subject of some ridicule, with the defender seemingly unable to stay fit for more than a few games at a time.