Manchester United have reportedly decided against signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in the near-future.
Spanish outlet Don Balon reports that the 24-year-old was a long-time transfer target for United boss Jose Mourinho but the Portuguese has emphatically changed his mind following the defender’s fitness issues at start to the campaign.
The report claims that Mourinho is still desperate to add more defensive options to his squad but he is no longer interested in signing the France international.
Good move for Manchester United?
United have started the season in sensational form especially in defence, only conceding two goals in five matches in all competitions.
On the other hand, back-to-back champions Madrid have endured a disappointing start to the campaign, winning one of their opening three league matches.
However, Varane has failed to feature in any of these matches as he is still recovering from an abductor injury which he picked up in the Spanish Cup victory against arch rivals Barcelona in August.
The Frenchman also struggled to keep himself fit last season, struggling with numerous injuries which saw him feature in only 23 league games.
It is understandable that Mourinho is not willing to splash the cash on a player who has a poor fitness record especially with current squad members Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw also renowned for being out of action for long periods.
However, Varane is still young and with time, he can easily overcome these injury setbacks and fulfil his potential of becoming one of the best central defenders in Europe.
It is an extremely hasty decision from Mourinho to completely disregard the Frenchman who’s current contract at the Bernabeu runs out in 2020.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
Despite United’s fine defensive record at the start of the campaign, Mourinho is a manager who always wants to improve on his current crop of players and given Varane’s age, he is likely to reignite his interest in the Real Madrid man in the near-future.
The United manager is likely to pursue the central defender next summer especially if Varane is fit enough and produces the goods for the France national team in next year’s World Cup in Russia.
The Frenchman was given his first opportunity for the Spanish giants when Mourinho was in charge three years ago so he might even be convinced to rejoin his former boss if the opportunity arises.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10