‘Let’s be truthful’: Pundit says one United star looks a shadow of his former self nowadays

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly planning a transfer overhaul at Manchester United this summer, which marks his first-ever window as co-owner.

One area that’s in dire need of a revamp is the defence, particularly centrally.

Currently, the backline has the most injured player of any other position, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia all ruled out for the foreseeable.

Out of that mix, Evans and Varane are the players who face the most uncertain futures at Old Trafford. The former signed a one-year contract when he returned to the club on deadline day last September, while the latter’s deal is set to expire in June, and as it stands, new terms won’t be offered.

Despite being an undeniable stalwart at centre-half, the Frenchman has looked off the pace when up against such prolific opposition at times. He’s almost 31 years old and has been an integral starter for over 13 years, whether that’s been at Lens, Real Madrid or United.

Injuries have, unfortunately, plagued his Red Devils career. It’s now at the stage where it doesn’t even look as though Varane can see out a full 90 minutes anymore; he was substituted at half-time in his past two appearances before being deemed too unfit to feature against Liverpool.

Chris Sutton weighed in on the four-time Champions League winner’s situation, saying on the BBC’s 606 podcast: “Who have you really missed though? Shaw and Martinez? Varane? Come on, Varane isn’t the player he was. He’s not mobile anymore, let’s be truthful.”