Manchester United is catching up in the race for European qualifying, but Erik ten Hag’s side must also avoid being stung in the transfer market.

Raphael Varane impressed after coming in from the cold in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, but United still risk losing the French international for free.

The 30-year-old has been filling in for Harry Maguire in recent weeks, but paired Jonny Evans at Anfield with Maguire out injured. Despite Liverpool’s 34 shots on goal, United’s defenders and goalie kept the game scoreless.

Varane’s contract expires at the end of the season, despite prior claims that it ran until 2025, and he will be free to speak to possible bidders in January unless United activate an extension before then. After seeing what the former Real Madrid great is capable of, manager Erik ten Hag may find himself trying to extend the defender’s contract.

Varane was one of three players singled out for praise after the game by former United defender David May on MUTV. “Varane is simply wonderful. Evans is exceptional. [Kobbie] Mainoo, a teenage midfielder, was excellent,” the Champions League winner noted, according to United in Focus.

“Congratulations to the lads. United defended like Trojans and deserved to win the game. Overall, the manager will be pleased, but possibly frustrated that we did not win the game, given we had numerous chances in the second half.

“There were some outstanding performances, and this is something to build on.” It has to be a very professional performance. Raphael Varane was drawn to that ball like a magnet.”

Alan Shearer, a BBC analyst, praised Varane as well. He praised Ten Hag’s team for their unity, paying special attention to the center defense duo.

“All the talk beforehand was about how many points they would win by, but in the end, they were very flat up front,” the former England striker wrote. “Liverpool did not really move United’s back four around, or at least did it nowhere near as much as we thought they might do – yes, United did well defensively but Liverpool played into their hands a lot of the time with the number of crosses they put in that were dealt with by Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.”

Ten Hag believes Maguire’s injury will not keep him out for long, potentially allowing the former club captain to return against the Hammers. Varane’s performance at Anfield, on the other hand, has given the manager pause for consideration both in the short and long term.