Raphael Varane’s relationship with Erik ten Hag has ‘broken down’ after incident earlier this season

Raphael Varane's relationship with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has 'practically broken down', according to reports, as he continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old defender, who joined the Reds from Real Madrid in August 2021 for around £41 million, played a pivotal role in Ten Hag's debut campaign alongside former Los Blancos teammate Casemiro.

He made a total of 34 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign but after missing several weeks of action at the start of this season, Varane has fallen out of favour.

In fact, Erik ten Hag recently gave his views on the defensive pecking order at United, and suggested Varane must now fight for his place after Harry Maguire's recent resurgence.

"He [Maguire] took his chance," Ten Hag told beIN Sports on Thursday. "We were talking about injured players, he took his chance when Rapha [Varane] was absent."

He added: "There is internal competition, which is normal in big clubs. When your chance comes, you must seize it and the others must fight to find their place."

Since that interview, a new report has emerged claiming Varane's relationship with Erik ten Hag has 'practically broken down' as the four-time Champions League winner continues to struggle for first-team minutes.

The Daily Mail claim a 'frank exchange of views' took place between the pair after Varane was dropped for United's clash against Manchester City on October 29.

Varane, who has made just three substitute appearances since, is said to be 'unhappy' that Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have been picked ahead of him.

Lindelof was chosen to partner Maguire during their 1-0 win over Luton on November 11 after Evans was ruled out through injury. The Swede scored the winner, just moments before the hour mark.

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After such an uncertain time, Varane has been strongly linked with a move away. The above report suggests Bayern Munich have already expressed an interest.

But his reported £340,000 per-week wages could prove a stumbling block for the Bundesliga champions.

Varane's former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro is also named as someone who could be facing an Old Trafford exit amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's incoming takeover.

Ratcliffe, who is set to acquire a 25 per cent share of the club from the Glazer family this month for £1.3billion, is ready to make 'big calls' in the coming months.

And he faces a number of difficult decisions, including the futures of both Varane and Casemiro, who are both on hefty contracts after arriving from Madrid.

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Thoughts on their future? Let us know in the comments.