text: Published 22:51 IST, January 1st 2024
  Manchester United to not trigger Raphael Varane's contract extension clause: Reports
  Manchester United have reportedly decided not to trigger the one year extension option in defender Raphael Varane's contract.
  Manchester United are reportedly not willing to trigger the one-year option in Raphael Varane's contract. The French man has entered the last six months of his current deal and will be a free player at the end of the next season. Varane is free to negotiate a contract with any club from January 1.
  3 things you need to know
  - Raphael Varane joined Manchester United in 2021
  - He signed from Real Madrid
  - The French defender lifted the World Cup in 2018
  Manchester United not willing to activate Raphael Varane's contract clause
  Varane joined the club in 2021 and played a vital role in Erik ten Hag's maiden season at the club. He partnered with Lisandro Martinez to stabilise the defence and helped United to lift the Carabao Cup last campaign. But his persistent injury issues have been a major problem and United are now considering offering him an extension but on reduced terms. The former Real Madrid defender is currently on a reported £340,000 wage per week and his huge salary would be a stumbling block for his extension.
  United want the defender to put pen to paper on the dotted line but for that, the former France international would have to take a pay cut to thrash a new deal. Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and David De Gea. Varane remains the highest-paid player at the club. United took a similar stance with De Gea and did offer him a new deal with lower wages. But the player refused to reduce his wage and left the club last summer.
  United generally keep the one month extension clause to protect a player's value and have reportedly taken the option to extend Victor Lindelof's contract. The Red Devils have suffered severe humiliation on the pitch this season and the departure of Varane would be a major jolt for them. It remains to be seen whether Varane accepts the new terms or walks away from the club as a free player.
  Updated 22:51 IST, January 1st 2024