Raphaël Varane, former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender, retires from football at 31 due to a knee injury sustained during his debut for Como in a Coppa Italia match. Over a decade-long illustrious career, Varane won numerous titles, including the World Cup with France in 2018. He thanked clubs and national team, promising to maintain high standards off the field.
Manchester United have agreed to a £43 million deal with Bayern Munich for Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt. The agreement includes £38.5 million upfront for the player, who is keen to leave Bayern after a challenging season. De Ligt has a strong history with United's manager Erik ten Hag from their time at Ajax, and personal terms aren't expected to be an issue.
Leny Yoro, a promising 18-year-old French center-back, is on the brink of joining Manchester United in a transfer deal valued at up to €70 million. Although he initially leaned towards Real Madrid, the Spanish club couldn't meet Lille's asking price, leading to an agreement with Manchester United. Yoro is currently in the UK for his medical and finalizing personal terms, highlighting United's determination in bolstering their defense.
As Manchester United prepare to face Newcastle United at Old Trafford, both teams are at a decisive point in the Premier League season. Manchester United aims to overcome their recent setback against Arsenal while targeting European competition qualification, whereas Newcastle aims to secure a Europa Conference League spot. The match will have significant implications for both clubs.