Man United star to be allowed to leave this summer

Manchester United are back in action on Sunday when they face Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round. 

The Red Devils haven’t played since drawing 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but manager Erik ten Hag will expect to see his side progress past their League Two opponents with ease.

The Dutchman will likely make a number of changes to his side for the trip to Wales, with several fringe players expected to be involved in the match.

Ahead of the game, though, it appears that United are planning to let one of their most experienced players leave.

According to Football Insider, the club are preparing to let defender Raphael Varane depart when his contract expires this summer.

It had initially been believed that the Frenchman’s contract was set to expire in 2025, but the report claims that is actually set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

Varane is now expected to leave Old Trafford this summer

Varane, 30, joined the Red Devils from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2021, after spending a hugely successful decade in the Spanish capital.

The centre-back has made a total of 81 appearances for United across all competitions, including 58 Premier League games.

This season the France international has played 18 times and, having briefly lost his starting spot towards the end of last year, he appears to have re-established himself as a regular under Ten Hag in recent weeks.

As Varane’s contract is set to expire this summer, the defender is able to agree a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club.

United do, however, have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

He has previously been linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League, as well as a sensational return to former club Real Madrid.