Imagine predicting in the summer that Manchester United would sell Casemiro and Raphael Varane within six months.

You’d have gotten some strange looks if you’d done that. Erik ten Hag’s successful first season at Old Trafford was aided by both players, who embodied the professionalism and winning mindset so urgently needed in the United dressing room.

After paying Real Madrid £112 million for the duo in consecutive summers and handing them huge multi-year contracts worth over £350,000 per week, they were viewed as two cornerstones Ten Hag could build around.

However, football does not wait for anyone, and both Casemiro and Varane might be leaving Old Trafford as soon as January.

Both could be moved on when the approach evolves as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes head of United’s football operations following his £1.3billion investment.

Casemiro (L) is out of form and out of favor. Raphael Varane (R) could be on his way out.

The Brazil midfielder has struggled for form this season after being outstanding previous season.

Under Erik ten Hag, French defender Varane has fallen down the defensive pecking order.

With the billionaire Ineos and his sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford slated to sit on a new football committee once their 25% stake is confirmed, huge changes could be on the way.

If French club Nice, which is also controlled by Ineos, can give us any indication of what to expect from them at Old Trafford, the average squad age could be reduced.

That figure is presently 24.2 years, making it one of the youngest in Ligue 1, and it is skewed slightly by the presence of captain Dante, 40, and goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, 36.

Nice’s Italian coach, Francesco Farioli, is only 34 years old, and youth is benefiting them as they sit second in the table, unbeaten in 12 games and just a point behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

It might indicate a return to what United has done successfully in the past: creating or signing great young footballers and developing them to their maximum potential.

That might be the end of paying exorbitant fees for older, established stars like Casemiro and Varane, who may have outstanding CVs but were 30 and 28 when signed, respectively.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro, now 31, cost United £60 million plus £10 million in add-ons and has been their highest earner for four years, earning about £350,000 per week.

Last season, he was consistently brilliant, forming a strong midfield combo with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, scoring seven goals and assisting on six others.

The takeover of football operations at Old Trafford by Sir Jim Ratcliffe will result in a shift in approach.

Varane and Casemiro, two superb players just last season, could be on their way out.

His form, however, plummeted this season before he sustained a hamstring injury that will keep him out until Christmas.

It has meant that United has unable to establish a solid grasp on midfield in a number of games, which helps to explain their completely uninspiring play.

In fact, Casemiro has begun to show his age, and the rationality of United’s large spend – £70 million in transfer fee and £72.8 million in salary over his four-year deal – is beginning to be called into doubt.

He has been linked with a January move to Saudi Arabia, which might allow United to recoup part of their investment, but even if he stays, his future is likely to be discussed in the summer.

Varane, 30, joined United for £42 million in the summer of 2021, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was still in charge.

The French centre-back would earn £70.72m over the course of his four-year contract if he was paid £340,000 per week.

When United signed Varane on a four-year contract for £42 million, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the manager.

Casemiro cost £70 million and was unveiled on the pitch ahead of United’s Premier League match against Liverpool, having signed a £350,000-per-week contract.

Varane, however, may not get that far after falling out of favor with Ten Hag and falling down United’s defensive pecking order.

Bayern Munich has indicated interest in signing him in January for £25 million, although Varane would have to accept a pay cut.

According to Mail Sport, Varane and Ten Hag’s relationship has practically broken down, with a candid exchange taking place when he was omitted for last month’s Manchester derby.

Varane started 22 of the 30 Premier League games in which he was fit and available last season, and he started this season as first-choice.

Varane has played six minutes against Sheffield United, been an unused sub versus City, come on for one minute at Fulham, and played just 11 minutes against Luton.

Varane can handle Harry Maguire starting ahead of him, but it’s more difficult to accept when Victor Lindelof and 35-year-old Jonny Evans are preferred.

Varane may find himself even further away from Ten Hag’s plans when Lisandro Martinez returns from his foot injury.

In several occasions, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans (right) have been preferred over Varane.

Varane scored the game-winning goal against Wolves on the first weekend, but he was then benched.

It represents a huge drop in stock for both players from only a few months ago.

The idea that United would even consider selling two such powerful players could signal a complete departure from Ratcliffe’s previous transfer policy.

Instead of paying exorbitant fees for established players who may thrive for a year or two before fading, United may spend less for younger players who will only increase in value.

Time will tell whether Ratcliffe’s recruitment plan restores United’s glory days.