Raphael Varane bids emotional farewell to Old Trafford ahead of imminent Man United exit… as disastrous transfer cost exposed

Raphael Varane made the most of his final visit to Old Trafford as a Manchester United player on Wednesday evening.

On Monday, it was revealed that the 31-year-old French defender would leave the club when his contract expires this summer.

Varane – who penned an emotional farewell video to supporters – has made 93 appearances for the club since arriving from Real Madrid in 2021 and won the Carabao Cup last season, which was the club’s first major trophy in six years .

He has been one of United’s highest earners on £340,000-a-week and the club opted not to extend his contract in December, as Mail Sport exclusively revealed.

However, his time at United was beset by injuries, with Varane last appearing against Chelsea on April 4, although Erik ten Hag revealed this week that he hoped the centre-back would return for the final game of the season in the Premier League against Brighton. Sunday.

Raphael Varane said goodbye to Old Trafford last night ahead of his imminent exit from Man United

Varane played 93 times for the club in three seasons, but he suffered from injuries.

Following United’s final home game against Newcastle last night, Varane said goodbye to supporters as the United team completed their usual lap of honour.

And, after that, Varane made sure to cherish every moment on the famous old ground.

After waiting for Old Trafford to empty, Varane decided to head to the center circle and sat alone as he visited the Theater of Dreams for the last time.

Meanwhile, Varane’s farewell comes as the disastrous cost of his move from Real was revealed.

The defender, who United signed for £41million and is believed to be the club’s second-highest earner behind Casemiro, has cost the club £440,860 per game due to his injury record. This is calculated by calculating his total transfer fee divided by the matches he played.

Despite playing 93 times for the club, in his three seasons at the club Varane also missed 42 games and failed to live up to his price tag.

However, speaking on Monday after his departure was announced, it is clear that Varane has only fond memories of his time in Manchester.

Varane took the time to sit alone in the center circle as Old Trafford emptied

Varane’s £41m move from Real Madrid ended up being £440,860 per game.

“To you guys, Manchester United fans, it’s been an incredible few years playing for this special club and wearing this jersey,” he said in an emotional video message posted to Instagram.

“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was crazy, the atmosphere was incredible.

“I fell in love with the club, the supporters. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what it means.

“For my children, this is home. This will be a special place for me all my life.