Paul Scholes fears one Manchester United star is finished

The Manchester United legend believes the tell-tale signs are already showing for Raphael Varane.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has raised concerns about the performance of Raphael Varane, suggesting that the French defender may be struggling at the top level.

Varane, a €40 million signing from Real Madrid in 2021, has struggled to bring his A-game. The 30-year-old has started six of United’s 10 games this season, but only played the full match three times.

He was sidelined for almost a month after sustaining an injury against Nottingham Forest in August.

“I worry about Varane a bit; he has been one of the very best defenders around, in that same ilk at Real Madrid,” Scholes remarked on TNT Sports.

“I just think his legs are looking sluggish; he can’t keep fit, and I worry about him.”

In Tuesday’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray, Varane was at fault for Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu’s goal. He also appeared slow in closing down Mauro Icardi for the game’s winning goal.

“It is almost as if we disregarded the defensive side of the game,” Scholes said on the Galatasaray loss.

“The defensive side of the team wasn’t good enough; they were wide open at times.”

Varane will hope for a better performance on Saturday when United take on Brentford at Old Trafford in a Premier League match.

"His legs are looking a little sluggish!"

Paul Scholes thinks Manchester United should be worried about centre-back Raphael Varane 😬#UCL | @laura_woodsy pic.twitter.com/m9haFErSiF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 3, 2023