LAST UPDATE | 14 May
RAPHAEL VARANE HAS announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old centre-back made a big-money switch to the Old Trafford outfit in 2021 after a medal-laden decade at Real Madrid.
Injuries have restricted Varane to 93 appearances in his three seasons at United, who the defender will be leaving upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
Thank you for everything, @ManUtd ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4nwJxk4ddf
— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) May 14, 2024
“To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,” the former France international said 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.”
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez is set to return to the United squad when under-fire Erik ten Hag’s side take on Newcastle tomorrow.
The key Argentina centre-back has managed just 11 appearances since breaking his metatarsal last April, compounding the issues facing a Red Devils defence beset by injuries.
Martinez underwent foot surgery for the second time in October having returned for the start of the season, then was laid low by knee and calf injuries upon his return.
The latter issue has kept Martinez out for the past six weeks, but the centre-back is set to lift United by returning to the squad for their final home match of the season.
“Licha Martinez, I think he will return in the squad,” Ten Hag said on the eve of the Newcastle encounter.
“He’s done now some sessions with us, and we plan for him to be available if this afternoon everything goes right in training. He will return in the squad.
“Then for some other players we have to see: (Marcus) Rashford, Bruno (Fernandes), Willy Kambwala, if they are fit enough.”
Martinez’s return is a welcome boost to a depleted backline, with left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out along with centre-backs Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Varane.
