In the same weekend that Marcus Rashford watched on from the stands, a former Manchester United star was spotted among fans.
Marcus Rashford watched on from the Old Trafford stands as Manchester United lost 3-0 to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon. He was left out of the matchday squad by Ruben Amorim for a third successive match after his bombshell interview.
While Rashford understandably hid away from the cameras and attention at Old Trafford, his former teammate Raphael Varane put on a disguise to blend in with fans as he watched his former side in action.
Varane announced his retirement in September just weeks after leaving United. He left on extremely good terms and was adored by supporters. Rashford will want a similar farewell if he does leave the club in 2025.
But it wasn’t United who Varane was watching on the weekend. The 31-year-old travelled to France to watch his boyhood club Lens.
Raphael Varane spotted in disguise watching Lens vs PSG
After his retirement, Varane has accepted a new role at Como as a board member. He has become an ambassador for the Serie A side and has become their Head of Development and Head of the Education Program.
During his free time, Varane attended the French Cup clash between Lens and PSG on Sunday afternoon which was won on penalties by the Parisian side.
After the match, Lens posted a picture of Varane in the stands to Instagram. Wrapped in a scarf and hat to avoid attention, Varane watched his boyhood club among the fans.
Varane replied to the post with two red and gold heart emojis.
Raphael Varane’s heroic FA Cup final display for Man United
Varane spent the final few weeks of his United career out injured but he made a late recovery and completed his return in the last 20 minutes of the final Premier League game of the season against Brighton.
He then started and starred in United’s remarkable FA Cup victory over Manchester City. A display that easily ranks in Varane’s top five United performances.
READ MORE: Manchester United hero Raphael Varane names the job he’s ‘very interested’ in after retirement
Varane put on a world-class display at Wembley in what was a fitting end to a legendary career. He received a standing ovation from United fans as he bowed out with a medal around his neck.
Just as he is at Lens, Varane would be welcomed back to Old Trafford with open arms after spending three seasons with the Red Devils.
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