On Thursday, the 30-year-old French World Cup winner took to Instagram to share a snapshot of his leisure time, a perk extended to all United players this week.
The photo showcased Varane enjoying his free time at an undisclosed snow-covered destination, presumably a ski resort, a winter activity usually off-limits for Manchester United players due to the potential injury risks associated with skiing.
Despite the club’s prohibition on skiing during the season, Varane posted the picture depicting himself standing amidst the snow-covered slopes and skiers in the background. The move raises questions, and upon his return to Old Trafford, manager Ten Hag is likely to seek clarification on whether the defender engaged in skiing during this time.
The majority of European clubs, including Manchester United, frown upon winter activities like skiing due to the potential threat of injuries to their key players. The concern is rooted in past incidents, such as Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s leg break during the Bundesliga winter break in 2022, following Germany’s challenging World Cup campaign in Qatar.
While Varane’s representative insisted that the defender did not partake in skiing at the resort, the controversy surrounding the Instagram post may cast a shadow on his tenure at Old Trafford.
Varane, a four-time Champions League winner who joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in July 2021, has been subject to rumors about his desire to leave the club, with reported interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and German champions Bayern Munich.
With only this season left on his £340,000-a-week contract, Varane’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain. Although there is an option for the club to extend his contract for a further year, speculation persists about his potential departure.
Varane, who has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United this season, has faced challenges in securing a regular spot in the starting lineup, falling behind Harry Maguire at one point.
As the defender has recently featured in five of the club’s last six games, missing only one due to illness, the controversy surrounding his winter escapade and the existing uncertainties about his future at Old Trafford add another layer of intrigue to his already eventful season with Manchester United.
