Man Utd made similar Raphael Varane contract 'error' with another player who left in 2022

Manchester United previously made an 'error' similar to the one regarding Raphael Varane with another player's contract, it has been reported.

Varane's future at Old Trafford has appeared under threat in recent weeks, with the France defender being left out of the team on a number of occasions by Erik ten Hag.

But he has started United's last two games, and put in an impressive performance when he partnered Jonny Evans at centre-back during the 0-0 draw at Liverpool on Sunday.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Varane is 'hopeful' that United will trigger the one-year extension in his contract which would keep him at the club until the summer of 2025.

As a result, the Frenchman can discuss a pre-contract with European clubs next month if United decide not to keep the defender. United declined to comment on the situation when approached by The Athletic.

The report claims that United erroneously stated that Varane had signed a four-year deal to June 2025 when he arrived at Old Trafford. Several outlets carried that he had signed a four-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months, but he actually signed for three years plus an optional 12 months.

United will be desperate to keep the four-time Champions League winner in the short-term, as he and Evans are the side's only fit senior centre-backs amid the absences of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof. Luke Shaw can, however, operate on the left side of central defence if required.

Meanwhile, United stated midfielder Nemanja Matic had signed a new three-year deal with the club in the summer of 2020, which would have kept him at Old Trafford until 2023.

But the Serbian left the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 upon the expiry of his contract, with the MEN reporting that his deal was actually a two-year contract plus a 12-month option.

Comparisons have made between the lack of clarity on Matic's contract and confusion over Varane's deal.

Matic subsequently reunited with his former United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Roma, where he made 35 Serie A appearances and helped the Italian side to reach the final of the Europa League last term.

The 35-year-old joined Ligue 1 side Rennes this summer, where he has currently made 13 league appearances.