Manchester United got it right with players' contract extensions and must now plan to sell them

For a club that has practically written the 'How not to' guide in recruitment, Manchester United have not got any of their contract extensions wrong.

The one-year options were ignored on the deals of Antonio Valencia, James Wilson, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Joel Pereira, Sergio Romero, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones, while it was mutually agreed Nemanja Matic's would be left dormant.

David de Gea set a new precedent: a one-year option United declined to reduce a player's salary. United made the right decision with De Gea but went about it in the wrong way. They were so fretful of the perception they had released a club legend the player confirmed his departure before the club. United had still released him.

READ MORE: Ten Hag has now received public backing from Ratcliffe with United's decision

READ MORE: United stance on Varane and Martial futures

United have struggled to assume control of the narrative with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, too. Like with Matic, it turned out the club had miscommunicated the expiry date of Varane's contract. With Martial, United cannot bring themselves to publicly spell the end for a player who has had a fervent following that the club's social media team once piggybacked on.

The United website wrote "talks with French duo Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial are continuing", for that is what Erik ten Hag said on Thursday. "We are talking with Rapha Varane, with Anthony Martial" is the verbatim quote.

In reality, they are barely talking with Martial about his future and whatever discussions they hold with Varane may not lead to the offer of reduced terms. A senior club source admitted Varane's future is in the balance.

Varane, a four-time Champions League winner and World Cup