Raphael Varane pays emotional farewell to Old Trafford

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

On Monday, it was revealed the 31-year-old French defender would be leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

Varane – who penned an emotional farewell video to supporters – has made 93 appearances for the club since joining from Real Madrid in 2021 and lifted 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 a reported £340,000 per-week and the club chose not to extend his deal back in December, as exclusively revealed by Mail Sport. 

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

Raphael Varane said farewell to Old Trafford last night ahead of his impending Man United exit

Varane has played 93 times for the club over three seasons, but he has struggled with injuries

After United’s final home game of the campaign against Newcastle last night, Varane waved goodbye to supporters as United’s squad did their customary lap of honour.

And, after that had taken place, Varane made sure to treasure every moment at the famous old ground.

Having waited for Old Trafford to empty out, Varane decided to head out to the centre circle and took a seat on his own as he took in the Theatre of Dreams for one last time.

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

The defender, who United signed for £41million and is reportedly the club’s second highest earner behind Casemiro, cost the club a reported £440,860-per-game due to his injury record. This is calculated when working out his total transfer fee divided by the matches he played in.

While he has played 93 times for the club, across his three seasons at the club Varane has also missed 42 games and has failed to live up to his price tag. 

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

Varane took time to sit in the centre circle on his own when Old Trafford had emptied out

Varane’s £41m transfer from Real Madrid ended up working out at £440,860-per-game

‘To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,’ he said in an emotional video message posted on Instagram.

‘The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.

‘I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.

‘For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me for life.’