Ten Hag Aims to Retain Varane and Casemiro at Manchester United Amid Transfer Speculation
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is steadfast in his desire to retain Raphaël Varane and Casemiro during the upcoming January transfer window, a source close to ESPN has revealed. Despite ongoing speculations surrounding their potential departures from Old Trafford, Ten Hag is eager to keep the duo within the team’s ranks, at least until the culmination of the season.
Casemiro, sidelined due to a hamstring injury for the last two months, and Varane, who recently reclaimed his spot in the team following a spell on the sidelines, are pivotal figures. With European football off the agenda in the new year, the focus shifts solely to the Premier League and the FA Cup. This shift in priority prompts Ten Hag to consider reducing the squad’s size, evident in Donny van de Beek’s loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt, which has already received the manager’s approval.
However, amidst these maneuvers, Jadon Sancho, absent from the squad since September, is anticipated to depart. Nevertheless, Casemiro and Varane continue to hold significant roles within the team’s plans. Should the duo express a strong desire to depart, Ten Hag might concede, but with the condition of seeking replacements. This scenario, however, would present complexities owing to the club’s adherence to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Sporting director John Murtough, addressing fans at the December forum, emphasized the necessity for prudent dealings in the upcoming transfer window. Citing the need for caution to ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play rules, Murtough hinted at a restrained approach to signings, focusing on balancing incoming and outgoing transfers.
Despite this cautious stance, Manchester United remains open to potential cut-price deals in January. Intermediaries have hinted at the prospect of Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen and Sancho swapping clubs. Malen, valued at approximately £25 million ($31.6m) by Dortmund, seeks an exit due to limited playtime, while Sancho’s availability for transfer follows a public dispute with Ten Hag. Although direct negotiations are pending, a potential swap deal involving the two players remains under discussion.
The upcoming January window promises intrigue for Manchester United, with Ten Hag’s intentions to preserve key players amidst a backdrop of potential movements and financial constraints.
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