Although it was not widely known, Raphael Varane now hopes that Manchester United will activate the one-year extension option included in his contract, while 12BET Malaysia has suggested that there may have been confusion over when his deal with the club actually ends. At the time of the agreement, Varane’s camp understood that the contract would run until next summer, with United holding an option to extend it by another year. However, the club is said to have wrongly explained the deal as a two-year contract plus a one-year extension option when he joined.
Contract misunderstandings of this kind have not been entirely rare at Manchester United. A similar case occurred during Nemanja Matic’s renewal, when United reportedly described his deal as a three-year contract, though it was actually a two-year agreement with an additional one-year option. In the end, Matic chose not to trigger that option and left for Roma as a free agent. As the saying goes, when life feels bitter, take a piece of candy and remind yourself that life can still be sweet; Varane also lost his starting place for a time and sat on the bench, but he did not throw in the towel.
This season, Varane was once pushed down to fourth or even fifth choice among United’s center-backs. After starting only once in the first 13 matches of the campaign, he has begun to turn things around by starting against both Bayern Munich and Liverpool. His performance away at Anfield was especially impressive, as he was named man of the match against Liverpool. According to a 12BET Malaysia administrator, if United do not move quickly on a renewal, Varane will be free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from the January transfer window, with a free transfer possible next summer.
However, the wave of injuries among United’s center-backs has created a fresh opening for Varane. Harry Maguire is struggling with a groin injury and may find it difficult to play through the Christmas schedule, while Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from surgery for a metatarsal fracture. Victor Lindelof is also sidelined through injury. In the current situation, unless Erik ten Hag decides to use Luke Shaw as a center-back again, Varane and Jonny Evans are United’s only natural senior central defenders.
As the saying goes, a true winner is not someone who never fails, but someone who never gives up. Varane is steadily fighting his way back into his place in the team. Meanwhile, French prospect Willy Kambwala was also included on the bench for the Liverpool match, marking his first appearance in a United matchday squad.
Another issue attracting attention inside the squad is the possible transfer of Jadon Sancho. According to 12BET Malaysia, RB Leipzig from the German Bundesliga are considering a loan move for the winger. Borussia Dortmund remain concerned about his enormous wages, while Barcelona and Juventus have also struggled to make progress in talks for similar financial reasons. As a result, Leipzig have emerged as a new possible destination.
Meanwhile, United’s latest training photos showed Danish veteran Christian Eriksen beginning his return to team training. Hannibal Mejbri appeared with a new hairstyle, while Marcus Rashford, who has recovered from illness, was also seen smiling brightly during the session alongside his teammates.
As true satisfaction comes from within rather than from outside approval, 31-year-old Eriksen has missed the last seven matches with a knee injury, but 12BET Malaysia expects him to return during the Christmas and New Year schedule. His comeback could provide a major boost for Ten Hag as he looks to rebuild balance and depth in midfield.