Raphael Varane to leave Manchester United at end of the season when contract expires after three-year stay

Manchester United have announced that Raphael Varane will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

The former Real Madrid man arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2021, helping them to a Carabao Cup win last season.

However, injuries have impacted his time at the club and the Frenchman will depart the Premier League club at the end of the season.

In a statement on the club website, United wrote: "Raphael Varane has confirmed he will leave Manchester United in the summer, upon the expiry of his contract, following three seasons at Old Trafford.

"The much-decorated defender arrived at the club from Real Madrid in August 2021, and was memorably unveiled in front of our home fans at the Theatre of Dreams, before the opening-weekend win over Leeds United. 

"Varane has brought a great deal of class and experience to the team throughout his 93 appearances so far. The Frenchman also helped to win our first major trophy in six years, when lifting the 2023 Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium."

Varane had previously been at Real Madrid where he won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Champions Leagues.

He has also won 93 caps, being part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2018 and the group that got the final in 2022.

Varane did not confirm where he will move next but he has been linked to move in Saudi Arabia and MLS as well as an emotional return to boyhood club Lens in France.

"To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it's been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt," Varane said in a video posted on social media.

"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 Man United to understand what that represents.

"For my kids, it's home here. It's going to be a special place for me, for life. When the fans went to Wembley [last season], it's something they will remember for life. To share that moment with them was absolutely amazing.

"Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I'm very positive for the future. The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.

"I'll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season and it's going to be very emotional day for me, for sure."

United will need to add defenders in their first summer since the takeover by Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the future of manager Erik ten Hag is also unclear.

United are in the final of the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City but in the Premier League they face a real risk of missing out on European qualification.

With two games left for the Red Devils they sit eighth in the table, mathematically only able to finish as high as sixth.

They are three points behind Newcastle United and Chelsea - in sixth and seventh respectively - but both sides also still have two games remaining.

One of those games will see United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening in what could be a pivotal clash.

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.