With thirteen games played so far this season, Manchester United have let in three or more goals thirteen times, resulting in a dismal goal differential of minus one for the Red Devils.
Even though their group was rather simple, they still managed to finish embarrassingly bottom in the Champions League this year, letting in the second-most goals.
The defence has been hit particularly hard by injuries, which have sidelined four of the team’s five starting centre backs. As a result, manager Erik ten Hag has started academy product Willy Kambwala in consecutive games with Harry Maguire, who has had unsatisfactory performances to boot.
The 20-time English league champions are facing down the nose of their worst-ever league result, and certain players’ futures are uncertain as new co-owners INEOS consider a defensive revamp in the wake of the club’s disastrous season.
Redesign of the defence
Most notably, Raphael Varane will be leaving the club in June rather than 2025 as originally announced.
After saying he was willing to retire at Old Trafford, the Frenchman was let down when United chose not to exercise the one-year extension option on his current contract.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire, wants to get rid of the former Real Madrid great, who is the club’s biggest earner, and there were rumours of a new arrangement with decreased pay, according to The Peoples Person.
Without Lisandro Martinez and with the manager alternating between playing him on the right and the left, the three-time Champions League winner has not been able to project the same degree of authority that he would have preferred. When healthy and performing at his best, there are few better defenders inside the box than the World Cup winner.
Given his age and previous injury history, Saudi Arabia was thought to be the most probable next stop for the 30-year-old.
The United centre defender is expected to seal a surprise transfer to arch rivals Chelsea by former England star Glen Johnson, who believes the player can still perform a job in the English top flight.
The Blues have also had a rough season; they are now in ninth place and, with the division’s youngest roster, could use some seasoned champions.
It would be reasonable to move for Varane for free if Thiago Silva were to go, since his injury record would be less of a problem and a massive hole would be created.
The Mirror cited the former Chelsea and Liverpool star as stating, “Good players like that don’t come around often and they certainly come around less often on a free transfer.”
To Chelsea, Varane?
Even if he isn’t the same Varane he was a few years ago, he is still a very talented player. If you’re getting him for free and he only plays in 40% of the games, it’s still an excellent value, even if he’s had injury concerns.
Players like Thiago Silva, who have been on elite teams and clubs their whole careers, command respect in the locker room, serve as role models for the younger players, and are a joy to be around.
I still believe it’s a decent bargain if you have the option to get Varane for free, even if he’s only going to play in half of the games.
Since signing a three-year, €40 million deal with the Red Devils, Varane has played in 93 games, including 30 this season.
United would be unable to prevent the transfer if Varane is determined to go. What happens to the defender this summer is something to watch with interest.