Ratcliffe could axe two of club's highest earners as £112m pair under microscope

24 November 2023 , 06:12

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Ratcliffe could axe two of club's highest earners as £112m pair under microscope

The futures of Manchester United duo Casemiro and Raphael Varane are likely to be considered once Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially arrives at the club.

The British billionaire is hoping his proposal for a minority stake in the club will be ratified this weekend, at which point he is expected to take a lead role in the football operations at Old Trafford. One of Ratcliffe's priorities is sorting out the club's recruitment, which is likely to involve axing some big names.

Casemiro and Varane, who both arrived from Real Madrid, have major reputations given their success in the game but neither is hitting the heights expected. They cost a combined £112million and are both on big contracts without currently delivering.

The Daily Mail reports that they will have question marks hanging over them come the January transfer window - which will be Ratcliffe's first chance to make a real impact on the squad. Casemiro was crucial to the forward steps made in Erik ten Hag's debut season.

However there were always concerns regarding the Brazilian's age with United handing him a long-term deal despite being in his 30s. Fitness concerns have now arisen and Casemiro is not having the impact he had previously with a move to Saudi Arabia already touted.

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Varane meanwhile looks to have had a breakdown in his relationship with the United boss - who is not known for changing his mind after clashing with players. The pair are understood to have clashed after Varane was dropped for the Manchester derby several weeks ago.

Casemiro and Raphael Varane could both be moved on

Since then Harry Maguire has enjoyed significantly more game time whilst Jonny Evans is also getting picked ahead of him. The Dutchman told Bein Sports on the selection: "Maguire took his chance when Varane was absent. When the moment is there, you take it and the other has to fight back."

Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in bringing in the French centre-half, but whilst they could afford his £25m transfer fee, his wages could prove beyond them. Other underperforming stars could also find themselves under the microscope once Ratcliffe arrives with the INEOS chief set to bring Sir Dave Brailsford with him.

Samuel Meade