Raphael Varane says that he was “surprised” to see that Erik ten Hag offered a new contract with Manchester United before this season and claimed that the “connection of the Dutchman with the group no longer existed”.
Ten Hag put Pen on paper on a one-year contract extension after he had led United to the victory over Rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
However, he was fired in October after a bad start of the 2024-25 season, in which Ruben Amorim took over the Teugels.
Varane, who has since retired after leaving United for Como in the narrow season, was part of the team for the two full campaigns of Ten Hag with the club.
Although, his relationship with the former Ajax boss was a complicated – in the same way with people as Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho – as he found himself on the couch for long periods of the last term.
“We had a robust discussion,” Varane told The Athletic. “We told each other a few truths, but then I didn't play for almost two months. I said I didn't agree with certain ways to do things about the relationship between him and the team.
“It wasn't something I thought it was good for the team, because some players were not satisfied at all. It was not good at terms of the relationship with the coach.
“He said,” Ok, I hear what you said, “and then I didn't play.
“I was surprised that he stayed. The connection with the group no longer existed.”
For the last time in Goodison Park#MUFC || @Betfred pic.twitter.com/ts3romoj5
– Manchester United (@manutd) February 19, 2025
Varane was also surprised to see the former teammate Marcus Rashford on loan on loan from Aston Villa at Aston Villa, although he believes that the move was a “positive”.
The attacker, who made more than 400 performances for United after he came through the Academy, expressed his desire for “a new challenge” after he had fallen out of grace under Amorim.
Rashford had scored in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town – Amorim's first game that was in charge – but did not know after he had fallen before the Manchester Derby in mid -December.
“So many years with this level of intensity and question – years in which the overall atmosphere is often negative because performance is below expectations – it is very, very difficult,” Varane added.
“For him to change his environment is positive. He is someone who loves the club and who gives everything for the shirt.
'But I am surprised that he is going [to a club] So close to Manchester. I imagined that he went beyond a few kilometers away. “
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