Manchester United are holding off from handing a new contract to one key player for the Red Devils until Ineos’ takeover is ratified.
As we enter nearly two months since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos announced that their 25 per cent takeover of Manchester United had been agreed, Premier League ratification is still yet to be announced.
Despite this, big moves have already been made behind the scenes at Old Trafford with Omar Berrada joining the club from Manchester City as the club’s new CEO.
However, a few key members of the playing squad remain in limbo with one in particular, becoming a concern.
Varane’s contract
According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, United are holding off from handing Raphael Varane a new contract due to the structural changes sought after by Ineos.
A few months back, the French defender did look to be on the verge of wanting to leave the club with Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire starting ahead of the former Real Madrid star.
However, in recent weeks, the defender has started nine out of the last 11 games in all competitions for the Red Devils and was back to his imperious best against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
These planned changes are set to see United delay their decision with the report also stating that the club want to get the sporting director in place before making such a decision.
Erik ten Hag’s own future at the club is also uncertain but the Dutchman has won the last four games on the bounce to ease the pressure on his job.
Varane’s future
United have not taken up the chance to trigger the extension in the Frenchman’s contract at the club, which would keep him on his current wages, so a move away in the summer may well be the likely option.
However, Varane’s recent good form will surely make those at Old Trafford at least reconsider the possibility of handing the defender a new contract, potentially on reduced terms.
United would be wise to hold on to such a key figure like Varane, a World Cup winner in 2018, and offering him a new deal with Ineos’ blessing, seems like the most logical decision at this moment in time.
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