Manchester United have followed a fairly consistent transfer method over the past 10 years, and it has not worked.
Under the leadership of Ed Woodward, Manchester United targeted superstars. This rarely brought success, and the highs were only fleeting.
Raphael Varane was one the symptoms of this policy. He played pretty well when called upon, but his injury record proved to be a real problem.
The Frenchman has started only 16 Premier League matches this season. Now his departure has been confirmed.
Raphael Varane exit
There was a high probability Raphael Varane was going to leave on a free this summer after the club decided not to extend his contract.
Now, with three games remaining, Varane has removed any doubt, confirming his exit.
If he does recover from his latest injury to play again this season, he will be able to say goodbye to Manchester United fans, and is likely to be in attendance one way or another at the team's final game at Old Trafford this season tonight against Newcastle.
There was also a message from one of his former Real Madrid teammates.
Luka Modric congratulates Varane
Among the players to reach out to Raphael Varane was his former Real Madrid colleague Luka Modric, who wrote 'Grande Rapha', paying tribute to his colleague.
There was also a message from Juan Mata, who messaged: "You are a great one, my friend."
As for Luka Modric himself, the 38-year-old faces an uncertain future of his own, with it unclear whether he will choose to renew with Real Madrid or pursue a new adventure elsewhere.
All we will say, with all due respect, is 'Manchester United, don't even think about it'...
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