Man Utd need urgent decision to keep “outstanding” star from leaving for free

Raphael Varane impressed in Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool after coming in from the cold, but United still run the risk of losing the French international for nothing.

The 30-year-old has played back-up to Harry Maguire in recent weeks, but partnered Jonny Evans at the back at Anfield with Maguire out injured. Despite Liverpool registering 34 shots on goal, United’s defenders and goalkeeper ensured the game ended scoreless.

Varane is out of contract at the end of the season, despite earlier reports suggesting his deal ran until 2025, and will be free to speak to potential suitors in January unless United trigger an extension before then. After being given a reminder of what the former Real Madrid star can do, though, manager Erik ten Hag may find himself pushing to extend the defender’s deal.

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Varane was one of three players singled out for praise by former United defender David May on MUTV after the game. “Varane absolutely outstanding. Evans outstanding. [Kobbie] Mainoo a young kid in midfield, he was fantastic,” the Champions League winner said, per United in Focus.

“Fair play to the lads. United have defended like trojans and deserved something from the game. Overall, the manager will be delighted with that but perhaps disappointed we didn’t actually win the game as we had some chances in the second half.

“There were some really top performances and it’s something to build on. It’s a really professional performance and it had to be. Raphael Varane was like a magnet to that ball.”

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BBC pundit Alan Shearer was also full of praise for Varane. He hailed Ten Hag’s team for their togetherness, while also paying particular attention to the central defensive pairing.

“All the talk beforehand was about how many they would win by, but in the end they were very flat up front,” the former England striker wrote. “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.”

The point at Anfield leaves United seventh in the table, one point ahead of West Ham and two clear of Brighton after the pair recorded differing results earlier on Sunday afternoon. West Ham are the Red Devils’ next opponents on Saturday, though David Moyes’ side face a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool before then.

Ten Hag suggested Maguire’s injury is not likely to keep him out for too long, potentially paving the way for the former club captain to return against the Hammers. However, with his display at Anfield, Varane has given the manager food for thought in the immediate and longer term.

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