Varane announces Man United exit at end of season

Raphael Varane announced on Tuesday he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season when his contract expires following a three-year spell at Old Trafford.

The former France defender, 31, arrived at the club from Real Madrid in 2021 for an initial fee of about £34 million ($43 million) and has made 93 appearances, scoring twice.

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He was part of the team that won the club's first trophy for six years - the 2023 League Cup.

Varane, whose United career has been disrupted by injuries, has not played since a 4-3 defeat by Chelsea on 4 April but hopes to be available again before the end of the campaign.

"To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it's been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt," Varane said on social media.

"The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.

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

Thank you for everything, @ManUtd ?? pic.twitter.com/4nwJxk4ddf

The 2018 World Cup winner added: "Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I'm very positive for the future. The new owners (United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe) are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy."

United manager Erik ten Hag is hopeful Varane can go out by playing a part in winning another trophy in the FA Cup final later this month.

Newcastle visit Old Trafford on Wednesday before United travel to Brighton on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday.

"We plan [for] him," said Ten Hag on Tuesday.

"Definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for