Manchester United stance on Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial futures

Anthony Martial is still expected to leave Manchester United and Raphael Varane is not guaranteed to be offered a new contract by the club.

Erik ten Hag's proclamation that United "are talking with Rapha Varane, with Anthony Martial", who are both out of contract in June, prompted one broadcaster to run a segment expressing surprise that the 28-year-old striker could be in line for a new contract.

A video of the analysis was posted by the outlet's social media account but later deleted once the misunderstanding had been flagged. The Manchester Evening News reported in October it was probable Martial would be released if he is not sold during the January transfer window.

United have opted not to extend Martial's contract by another year and are planning to release him in the summer. The Frenchman has scored a meagre 18 United goals since the start of the 2020-21 season and the injury-prone Martial played in only 28 out of 62 games last term. He has been absent from training for the last three-and-a-half weeks through illness.

READ MORE: Ten Hag opens up on meeting with Ratcliffe

READ MORE: United extend three players' contracts

Martial's current unavailability effectively prohibits any sale this month and he is one of two senior out-and-out strikers in Ten Hag's squad. Before the Champions League home defeat to Bayern Munich, Martial had been included in every United matchday squad this season.

United sources admit Varane's future is in the balance as he is in a similar situation to David de Gea last year. Like with De Gea, United have decided against triggering the one-year extension in Varane's contract as he would have been on the same salary next season.

Varane, 30, feels he is being pushed out and is unsure