Manchester United 'make final decision on Raphael Varane future'

Manchester United have reportedly decided to let Raphael Varane leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The Red Devils turned down the chance to activate a 12-month extension in the centre-back's contract earlier this year, so his existing deal at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of June.

There had been suggestions that Man United were keen to keep hold of the experienced centre-back but wanted him to take a substantial wage cut.

The ex-France international has made 30 appearances for Erik ten Hag's side during the 2023-24 campaign, including 21 outings in the Premier League, but he was not involved in Sunday's contest with Liverpool at Old Trafford due to an injury which he picked up against Chelsea last week.

According to Football Insider, after fresh talks behind the scenes, Man United have decided to let Varane leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

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Varane set to leave Old Trafford this summer

The 30-year-old is one of the club's highest earners, and his departure would therefore make a lot of room in the wage budget ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window.

Varane made the move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 off the back of featuring on 360 occasions for Real Madrid during a hugely successful period at Bernabeu.

The Frenchman has made 93 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring twice and registering one assist, but he has struggled with fitness problems during his time at the club.

Fellow centre-back Jonny Evans is also out of contract this summer, while there remains speculation surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Arguably only Lisandro Martinez and Willy Kambwala are guaranteed to be at the club next season from the current crop of centre-backs, and the latter made his second Premier League start of the campaign against Liverpool alongside Maguire due to the absences of Varane, Evans, Lindelof and Martinez.

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Kambwala determined to cement his spot at Man United

"It's my job, it's my passion," Kambwala told MUTV following his strong performance against Liverpool. "I know what I need to do on the pitch. I know I need to give everything from the first moment, to impress and to enjoy it.

"That's what I like to do. So yeah, it's my passion. And I know, like every time I have the opportunity to be on the pitch, I need to give everything to leave everything on the pitch.

"I'm really proud of the game, of the team, of everyone, of all my team-mates as well," sad the Reds defender. We didn't take the three points, so it is still a bit frustrating and [I'm] disappointed about that because we know we should win the game. We had it under control.

"We fought really well together. We stick together, we defend well at the back four with the keeper, with everyone, and we know we should keep the three points at the end, but, still, I am really proud of the game and what I could achieve."

At this stage, it is unclear whether Varane will be fit for Man United's next Premier League match, which comes against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening.