Ten Hag Confirms Discussions About Futures with Varane and Martial

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that the club is in discussions with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial about their futures. The future of both players at Old Trafford is currently up in the air, with their contracts set to expire at the end of the season.

Varane, a World Cup winner with France, joined United from Real Madrid in 2021 but has been hampered by injuries during his time in England. Martial, meanwhile, spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla after falling out of favour with then-manager Ralf Rangnick.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Ten Hag said: “We are talking with Raphael Varane and with Anthony Martial. I think that is an internal discussion between the club and the player.”

Ten Hag did not reveal any further details about the discussions, but it is understood that United are keen to keep both players. Varane is seen as a valuable asset in defence, while Martial is still considered to have the potential to be a major star for the club.

However, it is also possible that both players could leave United in the summer. Varane has been linked with a move back to Real Madrid, while Martial could attract interest from a number of clubs in Europe.

The decision of whether or not to keep Varane and Martial will be a crucial one for Ten Hag as he looks to rebuild United. The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League last season and are looking to return to the top of English football.

Varane’s Future at United

Varane has been a world-class defender for many years, but he has struggled to stay fit since joining United. He made just 20 appearances in all competitions last season, and his absence was a major factor in United’s defensive problems.

Despite his injury problems, Varane is still a highly regarded defender. He is a natural leader and has a wealth of experience at the highest level. If he can stay fit, he could be a valuable asset for United.

However, there are also concerns about Varane’s age. He is now 30 years old, and it is unclear whether he will be able to maintain his high level of performance for much longer.

If United do decide to keep Varane, they will need to be prepared to offer him a long-term contract. This would be a significant investment, and it is not clear whether the club is willing to make it.

Martial’s Future at United

Martial has shown glimpses of his talent at United, but he has never been able to consistently produce his best form. He has scored just 79 goals in 269 appearances for the club, and his inconsistency has often been frustrating for fans and managers alike.

Martial’s loan spell at Sevilla last season was a mixed bag. He scored once in six appearances in La Liga, but he also fell out of favour with manager Julen Lopetegui.

Despite his struggles, Martial still has the potential to be a success at United. He is a quick and skilful forward, and he can be a real handful for defenders on his day.

However, he needs to find a way to be more consistent if he is to have a long-term future at Old Trafford. He also needs to improve his relationship with Ten Hag, who has previously criticised his work ethic.

The decision of whether or not to keep Martial will be a difficult one for Ten Hag. He is a talented player with the potential to be a star, but he has also been a source of frustration in the past.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to keep Varane and Martial will be up to Ten Hag and the United board. It is a decision that could have a major impact on the club’s fortunes in the coming years.