Man United defender Raphael Varane ‘lined up for shock RETURN to Real Madrid’… with the Spanish giants facing an injury crisis after David Alaba underwent ACL surgery
- David Alaba suffered a terrible knee injury during Real Madrid's victory over Villarreal
- Raphael Varane has struggled for playing time at Manchester United this season
- REVEALED on It all starts: Man United's January transfer window plans… and what impact Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover will have on them
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is reportedly set for a shock return to Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old made the move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 after a decade of success at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are facing an injury crisis in defense after David Alaba underwent surgery after tearing the cruciate ligament in his left knee during their 4-1 win over Villarreal on Sunday.
Eder Militao is also out of action after tearing his cruciate ligament in August, leaving Antonio Rudiger and Nacho as the only fit centre-backs left.
German publication BIL have now reported that Madrid could look to their former defender Varane to solve their injury crisis.
Manchester United's Raphael Varane has been linked with a shock return to Real Madrid
Real Madrid are facing an injury crisis in defense after David Alaba tore his cruciate ligament
Varane won 18 trophies at Real Madrid but has struggled recently at Manchester United
During his time at Santiago Bernabeu, Varane won 18 trophies, including four Champions Leagues, before joining United for £34 million.
The 2018 World Cup winner has been down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season, leading to speculation over his future.
Erik ten Hag has at times favored the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and veteran Jonny Evans during the campaign.
After not featuring in United's four previous Premier League games, the Frenchman returned to the starting line-up in the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich and subsequent goalless draw against Liverpool.
But he played just 430 minutes in United's first 17 games this season.
In the meantime, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has looked to the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to fill in at the back at times this season.
Real Madrid is not only struggling with injuries in defense. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, while Vinicius has missed the last four LaLiga appearances with a torn thigh muscle.
Varane (right) has played just 430 minutes in United's first 17 Premier League games
This season, players such as Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans have been chosen over Varane at times
It was previously reported that Manchester United will not be busy in the January transfer window as they focus on spending after spending £185 million in the summer window.
It is expected that players such as Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek will leave the club.
