Raphael Varane’s debut for Como in the Coppa Italia was unfortunately cut short due to an injury, which occurred just 20 minutes into the match against Sampdoria.
This was Varane’s first appearance for Como, and the team was playing away from home. Despite being able to walk off the pitch, Varane appeared to be in considerable pain as he was escorted to the sidelines by the medical staff.
This early exit has raised concerns about the severity of his injury, though details remain unclear at this point. However, it is evident that this incident marks an unfortunate and challenging start for the former Manchester United defender at his new club.
Varane’s injury woes are not new, as they have plagued much of his career, particularly during his time at Manchester United. His fitness issues were a significant factor in United’s decision not to extend his contract.
Varane’s time at Old Trafford was marked by a series of injuries that limited his availability for the team. In his first season (2021/22), Varane managed to appear in 22 Premier League games, followed by 24 appearances in the 2022/23 season. Last season, however, saw him participate in just 22 matches, of which only 16 were starts—less than half of the total league games.
Over his three seasons at Manchester United, Varane had the potential to start in 113 Premier League matches. However, he was only able to start in 58 of those games, just over 50% of the possible matches.
This inconsistency in his availability was a significant concern for the club, especially given the high expectations and financial investment that accompanied his arrival from Real Madrid.
The frequency of his injuries contributed to the perception that Varane was not living up to the expectations set for him, particularly in a league as physically demanding as the Premier League.
Manchester United’s decision to part ways with Varane, despite his status as a World Cup hero and a highly decorated defender, was influenced by his ongoing fitness issues and the need for greater reliability in their defensive lineup. The club opted to move forward with a younger option, Leny Yoro, as Varane’s replacement.
While Yoro has also faced injury setbacks, the decision to let Varane go was seen as a necessary step in reshaping United’s defense.
The early signs of Varane’s injury troubles at Como reinforce the belief that United made the right choice in not extending his contract, even though the impact of this decision is still unfolding.
Varane’s situation highlights the challenges faced by players who struggle with recurring injuries. Despite his undeniable talent and experience, his fitness record has significantly impacted his career trajectory.
At Manchester United, the need for a consistent and dependable defensive presence was paramount, and Varane’s inability to maintain fitness played a key role in the club’s decision to move on from him. His early injury at Como further underscores the difficulties he continues to face in maintaining his fitness at a high level.
