Man United mistake, David de Gea lesson, biggest issue - Raphael Varane transfer truth clear

Manchester United have confirmed Raphael Varane will be leaving the club this summer after three years at the club.

The French defender has endured a mixed spell at Old Trafford since joining from Real Madrid, having impressed on occasions but struggled to remain fit all too often. Varane arrived in Manchester on the back of a hugely successful spell in Spain, though has failed to reach the heights many expected of the World Cup winner in a United shirt.

Sending a farewell message to supporters, the 31-year-old said: "To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it has been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt.

"The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane. The atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Manchester United to understand what that represents. For my kids, it's home here. It is going to be a special place for me for life.

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"When the fans go to Wembley it's something they remember for life," he added, ahead of our latest trip to the national stadium on 25 May, to face Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup final. To share that moment with them [winning the Carabao Cup last season] was absolutely amazing.

"Despite the fact we have had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future. The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy. I will see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye in the last home game this season. And it's going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure."

Determining whether or not Varane has been a success or failure is a difficult question, though our writers have attempted to reach a conclusion on this topic.

Tyrone Marshall

It looked like United had got themselves a bargain when they spent £42.5million on Varane and his introduction to Old Trafford on the day Solskjaer's team beat Leeds 5-1 was spinetingling. It felt like things were really heading in the right direction.

And on his day he contributed to this team. At his best and when fit he remains a superb central defender, as smooth on the ball as he is off it. But fitness was his Achilles heel at Old Trafford.

There have been 11 different spells on the sidelines during his time at the club and he’s missed more than 40 games. He’s rarely been fit enough to start three games in a week and as a central defender that isn’t sustainable.

George Smith

When Varane was signed in August 2021, many acknowledged that United had landed themselves one of the best centre-backs in the business. He arrived at Old Trafford with a wealth of experience under his belt and with endless honours attached to his name.

When he was fit and available, he rarely let United down, striking up an excellent partnership with Lisandro Martinez last season in particular. However, fitness was his biggest issue during his United career.

This season, for example, he has played just 21 times in the Premier League and 30 times in all competitions. He is simply not reliable enough.

United want to add a freshness to their squad this summer and the opportunity to get Varane off the books amid his fitness struggles could not be overlooked. A class operator when he is fit but, that isn't often enough.

Jack Flintham

I expect Varane's career at United will be looked back upon through rose-tinted spectacles. When the Frenchman played there was very little doubting his commitment to the cause.

One of the enduring memories I will have from his spell at Old Trafford was his valiant leadership performance as United held Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield. In an era when many United players are questioned for their passion, Varane stood out.

However, like Casemiro, it is no longer viable to have him at the club. Varane spent a high proportion of matches injured and considering he is one of the highest earners at United, that was not good enough to move the club forward.

I am glad his departure has been handled more tastefully than that which David de Gea received but an exit this summer is best for all involved.

Isaac Seelochan

Varane remains United’s best defender in my view and it's a shame that injuries have had such an impact on his time at Old Trafford. There is an argument to be made that he's been the club's best defender over the past 10 years, albeit from a relatively poor selection.

The Frenchman looked solid in central defence alongside Lisandro Martinez last year and it's a case of what could have been if both had stayed fit. There is no doubt that United would be in a better position now if they had Varane and Martinez at the back, with Andre Onana likely to have performed with greater assurance as well.

Ultimately though Varene's time at United cannot be deemed a success with just a Carabao Cup to his name. The club may have qualified for the Champions League on several occasions but that is no great achievement for a player who has won so much during a glittering career.

At 31 with his wages and injury record, it is the right time for United to move on and look towards a younger and more durable centre-back.

Tom Coley

On the plus side, United's transfer of Varane in summer of 2021 has worked out better than any of their other moves that year. That's where the positivity ends though, especially when it is considered he is up against Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo for that honour.

It hasn't all been his fault. £40million+ for a serial Champions League winner, World Cup holder, and veteran despite being somehow only 28, looked decent enough value, even with large wages and a slightly alarming (but not horrific) injury record.

That Varane hasn't been able to achieve what was imagined is not solely down to him. Very few players arrive at Old Trafford and succeed these days. That United couldn't get the best out of Varane is more damning of the club than Varane not reaching the heights with United is of the player. When will this cycle end?

When paired with Lisandro Martinez last season he looked the experienced head and quality addition that United had been after. Alongside Johnny Evans or any collection of players from Casemiro to Luke Shaw, Willy Kambwala or Victor Lindelof, he has understandably not been able to form a particularly airtight defence.

And has it been worth it? Varane's experience may have rubbed off and United better hope it had because there isn't much of a playing legacy being left behind. Looking to replace him at the end of this season - and from a personal standing, trying to jump ship before it truly sinks - makes sense for all parties.

He will leave a hole that must be filled in some way. Whether there is any trust in those to do this in the right way is another matter. The Glazers went big on these European-proven senior pros and it hasn't really worked. Will Ineos be able to solve the problem left by Varane's departure?