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When the deal to sign the Real Madrid defender was agreed in principle before August 1, few would have expected that Manchester United would still be awaiting a formal Raphael Varane announcement.
But on the eve of the Premier League season that is still the case, despite various reports that the Frenchman has completed his medical.
Earlier this week it was suggested that some contract details were being ironed out, although there is the expectations that confirmation of the transfer is imminent.
Solskjær on Raphaël Varane: "The big hold up was the quarantine of course but he's in Manchester now. It will be done soon." #mulive
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 13, 2021
In recent interview Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained that Varane had to undergo quarantine and isolation and that was the reason for United not announcing him.
Another reason which was pointed out by Solskjaer is that he (Varane) didn’t participate in any of United’s training sessions and will be ruled out of the squad in the season opener versus Leeds.
“Things happen and things take time.... it’s not 100% done yet” claimed the manager.
Solskjær: "He's [Varane] not trained with us. Things happen and things take time. Unfortunately with the isolation and the delay, these things... It's not 100 per cent done yet." #mulive
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 13, 2021
However according to a report from SportWitness, it is claimed that Varane’s announced is delayed because of image rights. That isn’t thought to be a threat to the deal, and it will be sorted out in the coming days, or sooner.
Everything indicates that Varane will not make his United debut against rivals Leeds but he is expected to feature in their next match against Southampton in the Premier League on August 22.