Raphael Varane has admitted he was surprised by Marcus Rashford’s decision to leave Manchester United for Aston Villa in the January transfer window, expecting the forward to move abroad instead.
Rashford, 27, was linked with top European clubs, including AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona, but ultimately secured a loan move to Villa for the remainder of the season.
Varane, who played alongside Rashford for three years before retiring in September, believes the switch is a positive step for the England international but didn’t expect him to remain in the Premier League.
“Spending so many years in an intense environment where expectations aren’t met takes a toll,” Varane told The Athletic. “For him, a change of scenery is a good thing. He loves the club and gives everything for the shirt, but I thought he would move further away, not just a few kilometers from Manchester.”
The French World Cup winner also weighed in on United’s managerial turmoil, expressing his shock that Erik ten Hag was given a contract extension just months before being sacked.
“He always needed a player to be his example someone isolated throughout his time at the club,” Varane explained. “He had conflicts with key leaders in the squad, and that was his way of managing. I was surprised he stayed as long as he did because the connection with the team was gone.”
With Rashford now adjusting to life at Aston Villa and United moving on from Ten Hag, both player and club face a new chapter in their respective journeys.