Manchester United delaying contract decisions ahead of Ineos changes

Manchester United want to wait before deciding on whether to offer Raphael Varane a new contract.

Varane, 30, is out of contract in June after United declined to trigger the one-year extension in his deal but he has started in nine of the past 11 games.

It is understood United partly want to delay a decision amid planned structural and personnel changes as the Ineos Group prepares to complete its 25% stakeholding in the club.

Ineos want to appoint a new sporting director while there has been uncertainty over Erik ten Hag's position as manager this season but United have won their past four games.

Varane had no intention of leaving United during the January transfer window and wanted to see out his four-year contract. United miscommunicated the expiry date of Varane's deal when he joined the club from Real Madrid in 2021.

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Ten Hag confirmed last week United had not decided whether to keep Varane or fellow centre half Jonny Evans. Evans, 36, has already played 20 times for United this term, starting 13 times.

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton's deal runs out in the summer and United could release full-back Brandon Williams, who is on loan at Ipswich Town but has not played since December.

United are also in no rush to address Scott McTominay's future amid his matchwinning exploits this season. McTominay, 27, is technically out of contract next year but United have the option of an additional year to tie him to the club until 2026.

Provided McTominay is still at United under the same terms, the extension will inevitably be triggered due to the Scot's key squad status and resale