Erik ten Hag wants to keep Casemiro and Raphael Varane at Manchester United despite reports suggesting they were up for sale.
Both men are currently out of favour at Old Trafford, which is reflected by their time on the pitch. The ex-Real Madrid pair are high earners but Varane is 30 with Casemiro one year his senior and there is a sense that their best days could now be behind them.
Ten Hag is under pressure with his team underperforming in the Premier League and already out of Europe. He's not been afraid of taking on major names and it was reported that he wanted to make a statement by offloading Varane, Casemiro or both if the right offers came in. Jadon Sancho's departure is still very much on the cards.
Now though, ESPN report that Ten Hag wants to retain the services of both Casemiro and Varane and believes they can play an important role. His stance would only change should either player push for a move away from Manchester, but that doesn't appear to be on the cards.
Varane, who had fallen down the defensive pecking order, was restored to the starting XI at Anfield last time out and helped United battle to a draw as they kept a clean sheet. The Frenchman was a regular last season alongside Lisandro Martinez.
Casemiro was another standout last term as United ended their trophy drought with Carabao Cup success. The Brazilian scored in that win at Wembley and defied the doubts about his age. This campaign though his performances have dipped with injury sidelining him.
United's Chief operating officer Collette Roche gave an insight into the club's January plans as she told the Fans Forum last week: "Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy. There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.
"However, we’ve always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows.
"We’ve seen this season that Financial Fair Play rules have real teeth, so we have to be very careful to ensure that we remain compliant, and we will. But that means being really disciplined on spending going forward, with a balance between incomings and outgoings."
kadkpsz
1
Thats a good idea , they still hav got plenty to offer . Look at how Varane stood head and shoulders to deny Liverpool any space .
sekilnotu
0
All Football had put this two player's on transfer list otherwise their gossip column would not have run
Frankaay™
0
In the last 30 years how much has your Liverpool spent and how many trophies have they won.
They've won practically everything there is to win call one trophy we haven't won in the 10 years where you haven't smelt a title challenge 😅🤣🤣
wimlmpru
1
rubbish, they r top players
Zepaelrt
1
bring back Fred
cizceikruy
1
I suggest that Man United should reduce their wages if the club fail to win FA cup and also finish top 4 this season
you winning nothing and no top 4 for you, don't even wish or dream
cizceikruy
1
Varane and Casemiro have paid their protection fee finally to 7 Hag
laseilouz
1
ETH just give the younger players more minutes for them to play so to build confidence in the squad
hezbdopty
1
He has no idea.
nagato_14
1
Ten Hag really thinks this is career mode when you can put and remove a player from transfer list with a switch of a button
ciupruyz
0
That Man United has spent much more than City in the last 10 years but yet haven't even been in a title race isn't talked about enough. is it because it isn't Liverpool? if it was Liverpool everybody will be raving about it.
In the last 30 years how much has your Liverpool spent and how many trophies have they won.
leceknprty
5
for me, I truly feel that the presence of the pair means a lot to the team judging by their experience in the game. We could pair them with some younger legs till those younger legs can fit in their roles.
Boom07
1
Erik ten Hag saw the light
Betapidkin
4
I suggest that Man United should reduce their wages if the club fail to win FA cup and also finish top 4 this season
Frankaay™
3
That Man United has spent much more than City in the last 10 years but yet haven't even been in a title race isn't talked about enough. is it because it isn't Liverpool? if it was Liverpool everybody will be raving about it.
4342deeni
2
in summary Erik ten Hag now sees Casemiro and Raphael Varane as crucial to Manchester United's plans and wants to keep them. The January transfer window for United is expected to be modest, with a focus on financial prudence and potential opportunities for players seeking more playing time.