At the beginning of October, after the French defender was left out of the starting lineup for Manchester United’s crucial match against Manchester City, it appeared as though Erik ten Hag had cast Rafael Varane from his first-team plans.

Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans were the starting center back duo for United until the Northern Irish defender’s injury forced Victor Lindelof to start in his place.

Varane, who is a multiple times Champions League winner with Real Madrid, had to take a watching brief and Bayern Munich were reportedly circling for his signature.

Varane’s future

It has emerged that the defender’s contract expires next summer, so United will have the decision, which will need to be made fairly soon, about whether they want to trigger the one-year extension in his contract.

A week ago it looked likely he would be leaving the club but the French defender has started the last two games with manager and player setting aside their differences according to a report from the Daily Mail.

His future should become clearer over the next few weeks but the club are remaining ‘tight-lipped’ over the Frenchman’s future, according to the report.

No decision over his future has been made yet. United have confirmed they will offer extensions to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof, but the Frenchman’s future remains a mystery.

Vital Varane

It’s not an exaggeration to say that keeping Varane, until the summer at least, will be vital for the Red Devils’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League again this summer.

With 12 defeats to their name in all competitions this season, the defence has struggled for consistency due to the myriad of injury problems faced.

Varane’s return into the first team could be key as United looked far more solid defensively in the two games he started against Bayern Munich and Liverpool than they did in the games prior.

His return, and willingness to play for Ten Hag, could be key.

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