Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has confirmed surgery on a season-ending groin injury.

Manchester United is prepared to let Raphael Varane leave the club for free at the conclusion of his contract this summer.

The Red Devils brought the former Real Madrid star to Old Trafford in 2021 on a deal that contains a one-year option that, if exercised, would prolong Varane’s tenure at the club until the summer of 2025. However, it has now emerged that many at the top of the United hierarchy are less than enthusiastic about activating the additional year.

Varane is one of United’s highest-paid players, and his departure would free up a substantial portion of his salary. According to ESPN, forward Anthony Martial is poised to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Frenchman and be permitted to depart the club.

There is a strong focus on clearing the pay bill from those in charge at United in order to free up cash for possible new hires. It’s unclear if Varane would be affected by his refusal to prolong his stay, considering indications earlier this year that he was dissatisfied with the instability at Old Trafford.

According to The Manchester Evening News, Varane felt pressured to leave the club in January, as United made no secret of their intention to sign the World Cup champion to a new contract with much lower salary.

On New Year’s Eve, United great Gary Neville made it obvious how he felt about rumors that the club was seeking to retain Varane. “If United want to extend [Victor] Lindelof and Varane (on lesser terms), I’m concerned,” he posted on social media.

“We need to start as fresh as possible. While these two aren’t awful players by any means, a message must be given to everyone within and without the club that it will not accept the levels shown in recent years.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should United try to prolong Varane’s stay for another year? Comment below.

Erik ten Hag will be in charge of a number of major exits this summer.

Varane isn’t the only well-known player leaving United. Christian Eriksen will be allowed to go for a modest amount, and Lindelof is also expected to depart at the conclusion of the season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, and Harry Maguire all have contracts expiring in 2025. In turn, the time is ticking for United to attempt to cash in on any of the aforementioned three before they may go for free.