Manchester United may face anger from fans after allegations surfaced that Raphael Varane has been put “up for sale.” This season, the defender has dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford, but he impressed against Liverpool on Sunday, steering his team to a 0-0 draw in Merseyside.

United are looking to spend the cash in the January transfer window, with investment expected at both ends of the pitch. The Red Devils are anxious for at least one more central defender and another striker to compete with Rasmus Hojlund for the No. 9 spot.

As a result, Erik ten Hag’s team will need to offload numerous stars in order to fund their purchasing spree while remaining under the Financial Fair Play guidelines. United football director John Murtough recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, according to the Daily Mail, to try to pique the interest of four players.

Murtough was eager to strike deals including Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Anthony Martial, and Varane, but his journey to the Middle East was fruitless, and he will be hopeful that other teams step up when the transfer window opens next month.

Raphael Varane shone against Liverpool over the weekend.

Although United saw the sporting director’s Saudi endeavor as a disaster, it may have been a blessing in disguise. Due to injuries, Ten Hag had to rely on Varane over the weekend, and the France international stood up and led by example alongside Jonny Evans.

For the most part, Varane has been disregarded by his manager this season, but when it mattered most, he supplied the United defense with much-needed steadiness to keep Liverpool at bay.

Erik ten Hag has routinely passed over Varane.

United have looked fragile for the bulk of the season, and Varane’s frequent absences may have played a role in his team conceding 21 goals in 17 Premier League games. As a result, Ten Hag may reconsider his attitude on the 30-year-old and retain his services for the foreseeable future.

Keeping Varane would not mean that the Red Devils should abandon their search for a younger defender with a long-term future at the club, but rather provide the prospect with a mentor who has competed at the highest level and can provide guidance and experience at a club that lacks both. It remains to be seen whether United revisit Varane’s ‘for sale’ status or dismiss the four-time Champions League winner’s great performance.