The Frenchman looked like he would be the leader of the new, great Manchester United team emerging under Erik ten Hag last year.

Fast forward to today, and the defender is out of the team, apparently out of favour, and United are already willing to move him on.

Now, Teamtalk reports that not only are United willing to sell the World Cup winner, but they are also open to taking a loss on their marquee investment.

Ten Hag is willing to start negotiations for the player at just £35 million, a £5 million decrease from the price he was brought for from Real Madrid.

Obviously, if the negotiations begin at £35 million, then it would be unrealistic for United to get that price, meaning that the loss they take will be huge at the end.

Their situation is not helped by the startling lack of interest in the Frenchman.

Bayern Munich have registered an interest but they have been notoriously penny-pinching when it comes to buying players, always looking for a shrew investment first.

Then there’s the Saudi Arabian Pro League, which is more known for providing fat paychecks to the players instead of spending huge sums in transfer fees.

The wildcard which recently emerged was Olympique Marseille, who are not European financial heavyweights by any stretch of the imagination.

Ultimately, it has resulted in United having to soften their stance on a player who couldn’t make the team over a soon-to-be 36-year-old Jonny Evans.

While Harry Maguire has resurrected his career this season, it looks like the vacant space hurt the players too much and Varane has slid in that slot perfectly.

Unfortunately for United, this means another big money dud they’ll have to take a loss on.

Lesson learned, finally? Most fans wouldn’t bet on it.

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Manager Erik ten Hag’s side are struggling to finish in the top four domestically, while their hopes of progressing through to the knockout stages of the Champions League are hanging by a thread.

The English giants have conceded the second-most goals in the group stages in what has been an embarrassing display in a group most fans would have expected the team to qualify from.

Varane’s poor season

Injuries have derailed the campaign with the defence being the worst affected. The manager has hardly ever had the luxury of picking his first-choice back-four this season.

Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined along with Jonny Evans while Raphael Varane is currently the fourth choice at best, something the Frenchman never thought would happen.

His poor injury record has not helped matters while the form shown by Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof has meant the Dutchman has not found space for the World Cup winner.

The former Ajax coach has played down talks of a rift with the player but reports have indicated that the club are open to moving on the former Real Madrid superstar.

Varane had announced his intention to retire at United but that might not be the case anymore. The likes of Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Saudi clubs are chasing his signature in January.

Now, French outlet Foot01 have revealed that a return to his homeland in the form of a move to Ligue 1 giant Marseille is also possible.

Marseille enter the fray for Varane

The Ligue 1 side are struggling in ninth place and manager Gennaro Gattuso has been promised funds to spend in January as the club eyes another central defender.

“The two most serious tracks are in Naples with Jesper Lindstrom and Leo Ostigard.

“Ostigard is not the only avenue studied in central defense since OM is also thinking of Varane and Lille’s Leny Yoro. But the Norwegian from Naples is undoubtedly the easiest to sign in the short term.”

It will not be easy for Marseille to pay a large transfer pay to United and pay Varane his current wages. But as a club, it will suit the former France international who is not yet ready to depart Europe for the riches of Saudi Arabia.

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Their next test against Newcastle United will be a great marker to understand where Erik ten Hag’s team currently lie. The last time the two sides met this season was in the Carabao Cup where Eddie Howe’s team emerged 3-0 victors.

United had lost at St James’ Park last season and their preparations for the game was far from ideal as the team’s flight to Newcastle upon Tyne was cancelled at the last moment.

Shaw as LCB

As per Manchester World, the Dutch manager is contemplating making a tactical change ahead of tonight’s encounter with Luke Shaw set to start as centre-back.

Since his return from injury, the Englishman has played in the Everton and Galatasaray matches in his familiar left-back position.

Ten Hag has utilised this ploy in the past, especially in the absence of Lisandro Martinez, who suffered a season-ending injury last term.

The Argentine is currently sidelined and United have played Victor Lindelof in that position and while the Swede does possess fantastic vision, a left-footed defender naturally has more angles to pass to.

Ten Hag’s preference for a left-footed defender is also partly responsible for Raphael Varane‘s reduction in game time with Ten Hag reluctant to pair the both of them.

Ploy worked wonders last season

Shaw’s passing ability is certainly underrated and he can effectively help the side play out from the back against a rampant Magpies at home. This will mean either Diogo Dalot or Sergio Reguilon plays as the left-back.

“Erik ten Hag is considering deploying Luke Shaw at centre-back for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United, ManchesterWorld understands.

“With Martinez injured, Shaw is United’s only real left-footed option in that role and could line up alongside Maguire at the heart of defence against Newcastle, with Sergio Reguilon starting at left full-back.”

Last season, Shaw was excellent at the heart of defence and United fans will hope that the tactical shift ends up working as United prepare for the busy festive period.

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Real Madrid have reportedly been offered the chance to bring Raphael Varane back to the Santiago Bernabeu, thereby bringing an end to his brief Manchester United career.

Talk of the French centre-back’s potential departure from Old Trafford arose after he was repeatedly benched by United manager Erik ten Hag.

Following the centre-back’s omission from the starting lineup in United’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City last month, reports emerged claiming that Varane and Ten Hag’s relationship had become strained this season.

While The Peoples Person later clarified that the 30 year old is keen to remain at United despite his frustration with his current situation, he has nevertheless been linked with moves to several clubs.

Saudi Arabia expressed an interest in luring Varane to the Pro League in January, however, Ten Hag is reportedly keen to keep the World Cup winner at Old Trafford.

Bayern Munich also have Varane in their sights, with manager Thomas Tuchel allegedly taking an interest in the United defender despite airing concerns over his injury record and steep wages.

It was later revealed, however, that Bayern could abandon their interest in Varane after Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo appeared on their radar.

Juventus have also reportedly taken an interest in Varane as they allegedly consider making a triple United transfer swoop involving him, Jadon Sancho, and Donny van de Beek.

This morning, there was another twist in the tale, as Spanish news outlet Fichajes hinted that Ten Hag’s desire to keep Varane may be inaccurate.

According to the report, the defender was offered to Real Madrid, the club he left in 2021 in a move to Old Trafford.

The football news website claimed that while Madrid are in the market for a centre-back given their long list of injuries, they rejected the chance of bringing Varane back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The way things stand, it appears as if Varane will continue to fight for his place in United’s starting 11 as he looks to rediscover his impressive form last season.

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Bayern Munich may end their pursuit of Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane depending on the availability of another newly announced transfer target.

As reported by The Peoples Person, the Bundesliga giants conducted internal discussions over the possibility of launching a bid for the French defender, with Florian Plettenberg claiming that United informed Bayern that a January transfer is a possibility.

Excl. News #Varane: Internally, FC Bayern has considered the 30 y/o. Discussions took place. Internal opinion: interesting but currently unrealistic because of his salary. It's not a hot topic yet, but he remains under observation in the next weeks.

Bayern informed that… pic.twitter.com/LimPXOMxgB

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 20, 2023

Varane’s relationship with United manager Erik ten Hag came under fire in October when it was suggested that the World Cup winner was growing frustrated due to his constant exclusion from the starting 11.

Given his lack of game time between his injury setbacks and Ten Hag’s tactical decisions, it was later reported that Varane was in the process of determining whether or not he would remain at United.

Ultimately, it appears as if the 30 year old will look to remain at United, with The Athletic claiming that Varane remains committed to the club.

Should this report be true, it may have come at just the right time given that Bayern may be retreating from their pursuit of the centre-back.

Although Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel is still believed to be interested in the player, Varane’s poor injury record and €17 million salary could dissuade the Bavarian giants from making a move.

Instead, Bayern could be shifting their sights to a younger alternative.

Florian Plettenberg announced on X yesterday that Bayern are targeting FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo.

News Ronald #Araújo: FC Bayern is very interested – confirmed

Bayern is monitoring him for two years
24 y/o is keen on Bayern‘s interest as the club has inquired about him
Now, Tuchel wants him too …

But the same as with Tomiyasu & Varane: It’s very unlikely for… pic.twitter.com/34yaIhQnr7

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 27, 2023

With both Tuchel and Araujo believed to be interested in a deal, it’s just Barca that has to be contended with, as the La Liga giants appear determined to keep the 24 year old at the club.

Also on Bayern’s radar is Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

With Varane seemingly content to remain at United, Ten Hag will hope that reports linking the player to Bayern subside, particularly as the pursuit of Araujo gets underway.

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The plaudits will rightly go to Alejandro Garnacho for scoring a worthy winner of the goal of the season award while Kobbie Mainoo shone on his first-ever start in the Premier League.

It was also a fantastic result in terms of the defending as United kept their third clean sheet in a row and have now gone 312 minutes in the Premier League without conceding, the best current record in the league.

Maguire, Lindelof keep yet another clean sheet

Manager Erik ten Hag has been forced to tweak his defence often, due to the number on injuries but seems to have found a working partnership for now.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof kept their second consecutive clean sheet and the pair were imperious against the Toffees in front of a charged-up Goodison atmosphere.

The much-maligned pair have been criticised in the past and they had to withstand a storm in the last 15 minutes of the first half but they stood tall and Andre Onana came in clutch at times to ensure yet another clean sheet.

The duo made eight clearances each, as they repelled countless long balls as the team from Merseyside tried to go direct. Both made an interception each as well.

Harry Maguire’s game by numbers vs. Everton:

59 touches
35/45 passes completed
8 clearances
5 aerial duels won
3 long balls completed
1 block
1 interception

Another top performance. pic.twitter.com/sLQvzHalGQ

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 26, 2023

In terms of duels, the duo combined to win eight aerial duels, with Everton utilising set-pieces and long balls to try and get Dominic Calvert-Lewin into the game.

They switched the play cleverly and got their side on the front foot with seven successful long balls and the performance was another reminder as to why Raphael Varane is sitting on the bench.

Ten Hag’s Varane stance vindicated so far

The Frenchman is not used to being so low in the pecking order and there are growing reports that the World Cup winner could be on his way out of the club in January.

Ten Hag has denied the rumours of a rift with the defender, whose poor injury record meant the United boss was forced to start Maguire in the first place.

The former skipper has hardly put a foot wrong and has combined to great effect with both the Swede and Jonny Evans, who is currently out injured.

The injury situation and the number of fixtures coming up means the former Real Madrid superstar will get his chances but he will admit that the duo ahead of him have done well in his absence.

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Erik ten Hag had to be content with a place on the stands as he was serving a one-match touchline ban following a fourth booking of the season during the Luton Town game.

The Dutchman started Andre Onana in goal with a defensive four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw ahead of the goalkeeper.

Kobbie Mainoo started as United’s deepest-lying midfielder alongside Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.

In Rasmus Hojlund’s absence, Anthony Martial led the line with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on either flank.

Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Everton.

Outstanding performance from Mainoo

Ahead of the game, all eyes were on Mainoo after confirmation that he was in Unuted’s starting XI.

The midfielder enjoyed a very successful pre-season but his momentum was halted after picking up a devastating injury against Real Madrid.

He returned a few weeks ago but understandably, supporters have had to be patient to see the Carrington academy graduate return to action and make his mark – he did not disappoint at Goodison Park.

Mainoo was brilliant in his passing and how well he handled the ball. The United star kept possession well and almost certainly never lost it.

Especially in the opening 45 minutes, the 18-year-old was vital in relieving mounting pressure by virtue of the way he kept possession.

He regularly came deep to collect the ball from the back four before feeding it to his midfield partners or the forward players.

The thing that was perhaps most noticeable about Mainoo’s game was just how well he did under pressure. At times, he was surrounded by two or Everton players but he was not fazed – he calmly walked out of his duels with the ball.

Mainoo was strong in his actions and one could not tell he was making his first start in the Premier League.

The youngster was a defensive colossus. He came up with crucial blocks and interceptions without which, the Toffees could have possibly scored a few more goals.

During a period in the first half, Everton were putting United under pressure and looked set to find an equalizer after Garnacho’s wonder strike, but Mainoo’s brilliance in the middle of the park and in his defensive third kept them at bay.

The biggest compliment that can be paid to the dazzling Mainoo is that he significantly outperformed and outshone Fernandes and McTominay, who have hundreds of competitive appearances under their belts.

Compared to Mainoo, Fernandes and McTominay’s contributions were at a minimum. A very promising and dominant performance from the sensational Mainoo who has a bright future ahead of him.

United’s forwards back scoring goals again

Another huge positive from the game is that United’s forwards are back amongst the goals once more.

Before the game, the attacking players currently available to Ten Hag had just one Premier League goal between them – Rashford’s away goal against Arsenal at the Emirates on September 3.

However, only three minutes into proceedings in Merseyside, Garnacho found the back of the net with his fantastic bicycle kick that is arguably a goal-of-the-season contender.

11 minutes after the interval, Rashford who has been struggling for form doubled the Red Devils’ lead from the spot kick.

Martial won the penalty after being brought down by Ashley Young inside the Everton box. Fernandes unselfishly handed Rashford the penalty, seemingly to get his confidence back.

Martial clinched United’s third of the match to ensure whatever hopes Everton harboured of making an unlikely comeback were dashed.

The Frenchman produced a superb chipped finish to secure the win.

United’s forwards have come under intense scrutiny and criticism this season for failing to finish their chances but against Everton, they did well considering they didn’t have a lot to work with.

Before the match, Ten Hag told reporters that he was assertive his attackers would eventually click and start firing again.

The manager’s faith was certainly repaid in kind.

Hopefully, the goals now continue coming in plenty for the forwards who greatly needed the confidence with a number of crucial fixtures coming up.

There is still a place for Raphael Varane in this team

Among the players who did not cover themselves in glory was Lindelof.

More than once, the Swede was outdone by rival stars. Dominic Calvert-Lewin especially gave him a hard time all game.

Time and time again, Calvert-Lewin easily dispossessed Lindelof who appeared to be struggling with the Englishman’s physicality a bit.

Sean Dyche’s stars had chances to score and would have undoubtedly felt bad not to get even a consolation prize.

Luckily, Lindelof’s shortcomings did not cost United too much.

There has been plenty of talk about Varane’s exclusion, with Ten Hag preferring a partnership of Maguire and Lindelof.

If there is one thing to take from the game is that there is still a place in the team for the World Cup winner.

Ten Hag has said multiple times that Varane is still in his plans and gong off Lindelof’s display, it wouldn’t be outrageous to think that the former Real Madrid man can get his starting berth back.

He definitely brings about more calm, composure and steel in the backline.

The post Three things we learned as a dominant Manchester United cruise to 3-0 win vs. Everton appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Dutchman has hardly had the luxury of picking his strongest back four this season with last season’s centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both getting injured for separate durations.

The Argentine has recently resumed individual training and the hope is he can be ready to play games in the new year. As for the Frenchman, his constant injuries have meant the manager has not trusted him as much as last season.

Varane’s struggles

That is also partly because of the form showcased by replacements like Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof who have all performed admirably despite the injury crisis.

The former Real Madrid superstar is said to be unhappy with his descent down the centre-back pecking order and is considering a move away in January.

Ten Hag has insisted that there is no animosity between the player and himself while the player is waiting to see how the month of December pans out before arriving at a decision.

Chelsea have been shockingly linked with a move as has Juventus but Bayern Munich are the current favourites mainly due to Thomas Tuchel being a fan of the four-time Champions League winner.

FCB Inside have claimed that there are quite a few positives going for the deal including the low price that United have put on the Frenchman.

“With Varane, Bayern would get an experienced central defender who knows how to win big titles. At 30, he is also the perfect footballer’s age and he would strengthen the Munich team exactly where they have the greatest need to catch up – sounds like a win-win situation.

“Another reason why a transfer could be a win for Munich: Varane already knows Dayot Upamecano from the French national team.

Bayern move gathering pace

“Varane should also fit in extremely well with coach Thomas Tuchel. The fact that the 2018 world champion is being talked about at Bayern is probably due not least to the FCB coach.

United have reportedly slapped a €20-30 million price on the former France international and Bayern have €75 million to spend and while it could work out in terms of the price, his wages will prove to be a huge stumbling block.

Varane earns close to €17 million at United and the Bavarian giants cannot afford that. His poor injury record is another major concern with the player missing 38 games since his arrival in Manchester.

Varane is expected to get more chances going forward due to the dire situation at the back and things could yet work out for United in this matter. Any thoughts of a transfer should only be entertained next summer.

The post Thomas Tuchel wants Raphael Varane but wages and poor injury record a concern appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

At the moment, Varane seems to be firmly below the pecking order, with Erik ten Hag preferring the likes of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof ahead of the Frenchman.

During the Manchester derby, eyebrows were raised when Evans was preferred ahead of the more accomplished and distinguished Varane.

It was even more puzzling when Ten Hag revealed that Varane was dropped due to tactical reasons.

Since then, the four-time Champions League winner has not started a game and has had to be content with three appearances from the bench.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person suggested that Ten Hag’s relationship with Varane has “practically broken down” after the pair had a frank exchange of views on the player’s current predicament.

It was relayed that Varane is weighing up his options, with a January departure from Old Trafford firmly on the cards. Saudi Arabia is a genuine destination for the 30-year-old.

Bayern Munich are also thought to be admirers of the United star, although there is an acceptance his extremely high wages almost certainly render a swoop impossible.

However, according to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, as it stands, Varane still remains committed to the Red Devils and there are no signs pointing towards his departure this January.

“Being out of the side is frustrating Varane but he is not a disruptive presence and United still regard him as a valuable player. At present, he has shown no indication of wishing to leave, although a continuation of his place on the periphery would inevitably force him to look at his options.”

“The Saudi Pro League would always be interested in a player of his calibre and, should the offer on a transfer fee be significant, United are open to listening. Financial fair play regulations are a very real concern at the club, albeit those pressures could be eased if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment is ratified and he injects capital.”

Whitwell also confirms that Bayern are indeed keeping close tabs on the former Real Madrid man. From the defender’s point of view, staying in Europe would be a far more attractive option.

The Athletic further states, “To say Raphael Varane is disappointed at falling down the pecking order at Manchester United is underselling things. Those who know his thinking suggest his feelings stray closer to annoyance.”

Ahead of United’s clash on Sunday against Everton at Goodison Park, all eyes are on Ten Hag and what course of action he chooses to take with respect to Varane. It will be interesting to see whether he starts or the manager will once again opt for a partnership of Maguire and Lindelof.

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A report covered by The Peoples Person revealed that Varane is considering his options ahead of the January transfer window.

At the moment, the World Cup winner seems to be firmly below the pecking order, with Erik ten Hag preferring the likes of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof ahead of the accomplished and distinguished Frenchman.

The Daily Mail recently divulged that Varane’s relationship with Ten Hag has “practically broken down.”

It’s understood that there was a frank exchange of views between the former Real Madrid man and the United manager after the player was dropped for the Manchester derby last month.

Since then, Varane has not started a game and has only made three substitute appearances.

During his presser ahead of the Red Devils’ clash against Everton on Sunday, Ten Hag was asked about Varane’s peculiar exclusion. The Dutch coach vehemently denied that there are problems between himself and the four-time Champions League winner.

The United boss insisted that Varane’s lack of minutes is purely down to tactical reasons and the need to have balance within the team.

RC Lens supremo Franck Haise weighed in on Varane’s situation at United and said, “If Varane wants to return we will welcome him with open arms.”

“However, with the contract it’s another thing, I read that it would also be complicated for Bayern Munich to pay his salary and if it is for them.”

“But maybe he wants to come back and I don’t know, who knows.”

Haise added, “However, it is not a current debate to be addressed now.”

Varane of course got his start at Lens and was part of their youth set-up. He spent almost a decade at the Ligue 1 outfit before sealing a blockbuster move to Real Madrid in 2011.

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