Man Utd make urgent decision to keep “outstanding” star from leaving on free transfer

While Manchester United is catching up in the competition for European qualification, Erik ten Hag’s team also needs to watch out for being taken advantage of in the transfer market.

Although Raphael Varane came in from the cold to impress in Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool, United still faces the risk of losing the French international for nothing.

In recent weeks, the 30-year-old has covered for Harry Maguire; however, with Maguire sidelined due to injury, he partnered with Jonny Evans at the back at Anfield. Liverpool had 34 shots on goal, but United’s goalie and defenders made sure there was no scoring in the match.

Despite earlier rumors indicating that his contract extended until 2025, Varane’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign. Unless United initiates an extension before then, Varane will be free to speak with prospective suitors in January. However, having been reminded of the former Real Madrid player’s abilities, manager Erik ten Hag might find himself pressing for an extension of the defender’s contract.

Following the match, Varane was one of three players that former United defender David May singled out for praise on MUTV. “Varane is simply amazing. Evans is exceptional. The Champions League winner said, “[Kobbie] Mainoo was a young kid in midfield, he was fantastic,” according to United in Focus.

“Good luck to the boys.” United deserved to win the game because they played a brilliant defense. The manager will be happy with that overall, but he or she might be disappointed that we didn’t win the game because we had several opportunities in the second half.

“We should build on the really excellent performances that were given.” It was necessary for the performance to be extremely professional. That ball was drawn to Raphael Varane like a magnet.

Raphael Varane helped Manchester United secure a point against Liverpool ( Image: Paul Currie/REX/Shutterstock)

Pundit Alan Shearer of the BBC was likewise gushing about Varane. He praised Ten Hag’s squad for their unity, highlighting the play of the central defensive duo in particular.

The former England striker wrote, “They were very flat up front in the end, but all the talk beforehand was about how many they would win by.” “Liverpool did not really move United’s back four around, or at least did it nowhere near as much as we thought they might do – yes, United did well defensively but Liverpool played into their hands a lot of the time with the number of crosses they put in that were dealt with by Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.”

After the two recorded different results earlier on Sunday afternoon, United is now seventh in the table with the point at Anfield, one point ahead of West Ham and two ahead of Brighton. The Red Devils’ next match is against West Ham on Saturday; however, David Moyes’ team must first defeat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal.

Ten Hag predicted that Maguire won’t be sidelined for very long due to his injury, which could allow the former club captain to make a comeback against the Hammers. Varane has, however, provided the manager with both short- and long-term food for thought with his performance at Anfield.