Raphael Varane departs Manchester United
Raphael Varane has announced his departure from Manchester United. Here are my thoughts on his decision.
Manchester United has announced the departure of a first-team player who will leave the club on a free transfer.
Raphael Varane will leave United at the end of the season after being unable to play most games due to injury. Varane sent a message on X, (formerly known as Twitter), to thank United fans for their support.
United striker Anthony Martial has also announced that he will leave the club at the end of this season.
The decision to not renew their contracts is correct in business terms. Martial and Varane get paid more than £200,000 per week and have been injury-prone at United. Furthermore, since United are not in the Champions League next season I don’t see how the club can afford both players.
Varane’s departure reminds me of David De Gea when he left because both players departed from United because their wages were too high. The difference between Varane and De Gea was that the Spanish goalkeeper was in his prime and Varane now is at the end of his career.
INEOS will be looking for centre-backs in the transfer window. The club need two, one as a rotational and one as a first-team player. Over the past month, United have had zero fit centre-backs. Ten Hag’s style requires ball-playing centre-backs to work. This is why the partnership of Martinez and Varane has been vital in how Ten Hag plays.
Despite having a good season at United, Harry Maguire has struggled to play in a high line because of his lack of pace. Without a quality centre-back who can do this United will have a repeat of this season. Having another record-low finish in the Premier League can’t happen again otherwise Ten Hag will get sacked. Buying two centre-backs would solve this problem for next season. Furthermore, help the Red Devils to the Champions League.
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Signings
United should make two signings: Todibo from Nice and Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
Everton is currently in financial trouble being close to administration. Braithwaite has had an exceptional season with Everton. The Toffees recorded the fourth-fewest expected goals all season (35.9), behind the big three of Arsenal (18.5), Manchester City (24.9) and Liverpool (32.2).1 He would be a cheap player to buy and pass as a proven centre-back in the Premier League.
INEOS owns Nice meaning there is another potential cut deal for Todibo. Furthermore, his style would suit Ten Hag’s requirement of a ball-playing centre-back.
Todibo attempts an impressive 68 passes per 90 at an 88.5% completion rate. More importantly, he made 4.8 progressive passes and 4.3 passes into the final third per 90 last season. All the above in addition to the variation he offers in his distribution will contribute significantly to United’s build-up from deeper positions. 2
New forward
INEOS will also be searching for another option to replace Martial. The club have a wide variety of options for a rotational striker. Ivan Toney from Brentford could be an option for United. However, there is a risk because of his gambling ban. United have had to deal with numerous issues with players off the pitch. United don’t need another one with Toney coming into the club. I hope Ethan Wheatley gets more game time. Wheatley managed to score eight goals in the seven games in the under-18 Premier League this season.3 He would be a great rotational striker for Rasmus Højlund and a potential future striker.
Tell me who do you think United should sign?
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Why ‘Monster’ Jarrad Branthwaite Is Destined for the Top - https://theanalyst.com/eu/2024/03/monster-jarrad-branthwaite-destined-for-top/
Why Jean-Clair Todibo would be the perfect fit for Man Utd - https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/R4FPTVg7WUeFUmqAi_41EA/Show/Why-Jean-Clair-Todibo-would-be-the-perfect-fit-for-Man-Utd
Ethan Wheatley stats - https://www.transfermarkt.com/ethan-wheatley/profil/spieler/888639