Man Utd title plans boosted by Varane as star retires from France duty

Manchester United are set to receive a boost with Raphael Varane reportedly planning to retire from international duty, according to reports in France. The 29-year-old won the World Cup for his nation but his international career looks to have ended in heartbreak following the 2022 final defeat to Argentina in Qatar. 

Varane has won 93 caps for his nation having been an integral part of Les Blues’ defence for the best part of the last decade. However, he looks set to call time on his international career before his 30th birthday according to Le Parisien, given the physical and mental toll it has taken of him. 

His decision follows that of fellow long-serving World Cup winners Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda will the final in Qatar proving to be the end of an era for France. Varane had served as the nation’s vice-captain over the last few years but looks prepared to pass up the chance of inheriting the armband permanently with his retirement. 

The news will come as a huge boost to United with the centre-back an integral part of the club’s backline. The Red Devils have serious aspirations of winning the title in the coming years and can now count on the full focus of Varane in this quest. 

Varane’s immediate focus will be on the task at hand at Old Trafford with his first final in a Red jersey upcoming at the end of the month. United secured their place in the final two by beating Nottingham Forest 5-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals with Newcastle the upcoming opposition. 

United are set for a busy month with the club still competing on four fronts as the quest for Europa League and FA Cup glory continues. A shot at the Premier League this year looks increasingly unlikely given Arsenal’s healthy lead at the top of the table but the Red Devils are in a strong position to enter the Champions League. 

Varane will be an integral part of what the club will try to achieve in the coming seasons and it appears he is set to devote even more time to succeeding in these goals with his international retirement.