Premier League 2023/24: Manchester United centre-back Rafael Varane has announced his departure from the club as a free agent at the end of the season. The French defender's contract is set to expire in June 2024 and the 2018 World Cup winner will not be renewing his contract with the Red Devils. The news was officially confirmed by Manchester United on Tuesday, May 14, via their social media handles, and released an official club statement in concern with the same.
Rafael Varane is one of the greatest defenders in the modern era of football and is fondly remembered for his blistering and trophy-laden spell at the Los Blancos, as he won 4 UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid. Injuries have marred the playing time of the defender from past 18 months, but there's no denying that the 31-year old is one of the respected players of his era, and a true ambassador of the sport as the defender has only received 24 bookings his entire career at such a position, where it is common for players to receive red cards with ease.
Manchester United's Official Club Statement On Rafael Varane's Departure
"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," read the official club statement.
"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. Newcastle United were shut out in a 2-0 triumph for Erik ten Hag's men, with Rapha showing all of his experience alongside Lisandro Martinez," it added.
The club also thanked the Frenchman for his excellent services and added that the final appearance of the legendary defender will come at the final home fixture of the season.
"The 31-year-old has scored twice for the Reds, his first goal coming in a home win over Brentford a couple of years ago. Varane's second effort earned us three points from our 1-0 victory against Wolves, at the opening of this current 2023/24 campaign. However, it is unflappable work at the heart of the defence that Rapha is most recognised for, as he has shown his undoubted quality since joining the club. To date, he has made 67 appearances in the Premier League, 58 as a starter," it further added.
"The centre-back has been absent since the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on 4 April but he is currently working hard on his recovery from injury, and hopes to be available again before the end of the campaign. There are Premier League matches to come against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, before the Emirates FA Cup final versus Manchester City on 25 May. Everybody at United thanks Rapha for his service and wishes him well for the future," read the closing statement.