Man United have refused to trigger contract option for player, can speak to clubs from tomorrow

Manchester United are adopting the same approach taken with David de Gea for another one of their high-earning stars.

Prior to his departure, De Gea was United's highest-paid player on wages of £375,000-a-week.

But despite over a decade of service as their number one goalkeeper, United elected against taking up the option to extend his contract for another 12 months and he subsequently left on a free transfer.

And fresh reports from the Daily Mail claim that the Red Devils are replicating the outlook with defender Raphael Varane.

The Frenchman signed in a £34 million deal from Real Madrid in 2021 and exits involving De Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo led to him becoming United's top earner on £340,000-a-week.

Image: Getty

However, United believe he is not worth such a salary given his injury issues in recent times - with Varane limited to just seven Premier League starts this season.

His deal is due to expire at the end of the season, with United now deciding against the automatic one-year extension.

The deadline is the 1 January and United have declined the option. As it stands, Varane is technically a free agent and therefore free to speak with clubs abroad from tomorrow.

Image: Getty

When Varane joined, United wrongly said he signed a four-year deal until 2025 when it was in fact a three-year deal with the option of a fourth.

The same happened with Nemanja Matic, who left on a free in 2022 even though it was communicated that he penned a three-year deal in 2020.

However, the situation does not mean Varane is destined for a departure.

The report goes on to state that United are still interested in retaining Varane's services and plan to open talks.

But given they need to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, they wish to negotiate his wages.