Manchester United could lose one of their star players for free next summer

The four-time Champions League winner could leave Old Trafford earlier than expected.

In a week where things could went from bad (losing 3-0 at home to Bournemouth) to worse (exiting the Champions League in the club's worst ever group campaign), Manchester United seem to have yet another problem on their hands. The club risk losing Raphaël Varane (30) for free next summer. It's believed the French international's contract is set to expire a year earlier than previously assumed. This could leave the centre-back without a club at the end of the current 2023/24 season. [caption id="attachment_296178" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Raphael Varane of Manchester United and Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and FC Bayern Munchen at Old Trafford (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)[/caption]

Raphaël Varane could walk away in the midst of a defender crisis at United

The experienced centre-back has struggled with both form and injury since arriving at the club. He joined from Real Madrid for £34 million in 2021. It's believed Erik ten Hag has flagged Raphaël Varane as a potential sale in the January transfer window. That's now looking even more likely due to the fact the Frenchman's contract at the club is due to expire in June 2024,  a year earlier than originally publicised. [caption id="attachment_296179" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Raphael Varane of Manchester United applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Luton Town (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)[/caption]

Varane could strike a deal with a new club as early as next month

With his contract expiring next summer, the 30-year-old will be free to negotiate with other clubs come January. Varane is reportedly unhappy with a lack of game time in recent times under ten Hag, with the Dutchman favouring the once forgotten Harry Maguire. However with both Maguire and Luke Shaw picking up knocks in their loss to Bayern Munich on Tuesday and Lisandro Martínez still sidelined, Varane will likely be called upon for their trip to play league leaders Liverpool this weekend. Related links:

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