Man Utd unwilling to fund moves for Varane and Trippier

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United look set to miss out on key summer targets Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier after being priced out of moves for the pair.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have reportedly been heavily interested in signing Varane to partner Harry Maguire in central defence, whilst Trippier would provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

However, according to ESPN, the club won't be signing either player because their price tag is simply too high.

Real Madrid reportedly value Varane at £70m, and after spending a world record fee for a defender on Harry Maguire in 2019, they aren't keen on splashing that kind of money again. That comes despite the fact that Varane's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next year, so Man Utd may want to test their resolve.

As for Trippier, Atletico Madrid want more than £30m for their starting right-back, and Diego Simeone is desperate to keep hold of the England international.

Man Utd are keen to bolster their defensive options, but it appears as though their top targets may slip through their fingers. However, are Varane and Trippier better than their current options?

Is Varane better than Man Utd's current centre-backs?

Varane was making 2.0 tackles and interceptions per 90 last year, whilst Maguire was at 2.6, and Victor Lindelof was also a 2.0.

The Frenchman also won less aerial duels per 90 than Maguire (3.6 to 3.7), but more than Lindelof (2.2).

He did however lose possession less time per 90 (6.9) than both Maguire (9.0) and Lindelof (7.3).

With Champions League and World Cup winning experience, Varane would certainly be an upgrade for the Red Devils.

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Is Trippier better than Man Utd's current right-backs?

As for Trippier, he is less capable in the defensive phase, making 3.7 tackles and interceptions per 90, to Wan-Bissaka's 4.3, but is far better when attacking.

He created seven big chances last season, whilst the Man Utd man was down at just two.

Trippier could add some much needed competition for Wan-Bissaka, but a move doesn't look likely any more.