Former Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane is showing his support for the Reds in Wednesday's Europa League final in Bilbao
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Raphael Varane, former Manchester United player, greets fans in the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League Final 2025
Raphael Varane is at the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday night
(Image: Getty Images)
Raphael Varane has been pictured showing his support for Manchester United in Bilbao for Wednesday's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The former central defender had a mixed stint at Old Trafford after signing from Real Madrid in 2021, impressing at times but frequently struggling with injuries. Varane came to Manchester following a highly successful period in Spain, but did not live up to the high expectations many had for the World Cup winner in a United kit.
However, he did leave United on a high, with his final match for the Reds coming in last season's FA Cup final against Manchester City. That victory at Wembley Stadium secured United's place in this season's Europa League, a competition they are now 90 minutes away from winning.
Varane subsequently moved to Italian Serie A team Como at the end of last term, but injuries ultimately overcame him, resulting in his retirement from professional football in September.
The ex-United centre-back has sent a message of support to his former teammates on X, having made the trip to watch the final. Varane posted a picture of himself at the San Mames Stadium alongside the caption: "Come on @ManUtd!!!" followed by two red emojis.
The Frenchman was a mainstay in defence when United won the League Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024, but was not offered a new deal by then Reds boss Erik ten Hag and left as a free agent earlier this summer.
Sending a farewell message to supporters earlier this year, the 31-year-old said: "To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it has been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt.
"The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane. The atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Manchester United to understand what that represents. For my kids, it's home here. It is going to be a special place for me for life.
"When the fans go to Wembley it's something they remember for life," he added, ahead of our latest trip to the national stadium on 25 May, to face Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup final. To share that moment with them [winning the Carabao Cup last season] was absolutely amazing.
"Despite the fact we have had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future. The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy. I will see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye in the last home game this season. And it's going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure."
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