Raphael Varane's possible Man Utd exit: Erik ten Hag's stance, exit 'desire', Saudi Arabia transfer claim

Raphael Varane faces an uncertain future with Manchester United just two years or so into his time at the club. The centre-back brought the top-level experience United needed early in his time at the club, but he has regularly been left out of late.

The World Cup winner has made just nine Premier League appearances so far this season, and it has been reported that he could leave Old Trafford this winter as a result of his lack of action. Here we round up all the latest surrounding a possible transfer.

Ten Hag's stance

Speaking last month, Ten Hag admitted Varane's regular absences have been down to tactical preference. He said: "Absolutely not. As I said, it is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships. I think Harry and Jonny did well.

“What I said last year, Harry didn’t play a lot, so I was very happy with Rapha’s performances. I have always been happy with his performance. But in this moment, Harry is playing very well and there is internal competition."

Bayern interest

Bayern Munich could be interested in a move for Varane, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. Bayern signed Kim Min-jae in the summer, but they could add to their back line again this winter.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: "Raphael Varane is not playing, and I think that it may be a surprise to some Manchester United fans. I think his position was probably made most clear against Luton, when Jonny Evans was injured and Raphael Varane was still on the bench.

"He has obviously fallen down the pecking order, and we know that Bayern Munich are interested in a centre-back. They were looking for one during the summer, but they ran out of time in their window while trying to get a deal for Trevoh Chalobah over the line. Chalobah has picked up an injury now, and Varane could well be an option."

Varane's desire

TalkSPORT have reported that Varane is keen to leave United in the winter window, and that he has his sights set on either Saudi Arabia or Italy. It's claimed he is not happy with his play time and is keen for a fresh start.

Meanwhile, the report also claims that incoming partial owner Jim Ratcliffe is keen to move on both Varane and Casemiro. Varane is a big-earner, and if he is not going to play, it may be in the best interests of both the defender and the club to part ways.

The Manchester Evening News have also written a report, but they say Varane is not keen to leave and that he would only change his position in the case the club make it clear he is not wanted. Varane is under contract until 2025.