Manchester United axe first player of Sir Jim Ratcliffe era and it's divided fans

Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

Man United have confirmed that Varane will leave as a free agent.

The 31-year-old, who is in his third season at Old Trafford, will be available on a free transfer this summer.

A club statement read: "Raphael Varane has confirmed he will leave Manchester United in the summer, upon the expiry of his contract, following three seasons at Old Trafford.

"Everybody at United thanks Rapha for his service and wishes him well for the future."

Varane also took to social media as he released a farewell message.

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

"I’ll see you all at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season.

"It’s going to be a very emotional day for me."

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

— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) May 14, 2024

The decision to axe the veteran defender amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's summer overhaul has divided opinions on social media.

One X user wrote: "Another great player mismanaged by Ten Hag."

A second tweeted: "Good. Time for a new era."

A third added: "What a poor decision by Utd."

A fourth slammed: "our best CB leaving on a free, pathetic."

Another argued: "Hell of a player but the right decision for all. Injuries catching up with him and we can’t afford to keep paying these kind of wages."

Varane joined Man United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.

He's made 93 appearances for the Red Devils, including 67 Premier League games.

He won the EFL Cup during his time at the club.

Varane has played 30 games in all competitions this season, having been blighted with a series of injury problems.

He hasn't played since sustaining an injury in his side's 4-3 defeat to Chelsea back in April.