'No one knows this is happening'... What one Manchester United player did after the final whistle

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane announced his departure from Manchester United prior to the final home game of the season.

This allowed Raphael Varane to savour the final home game at Old Trafford with nobody asking questions over his future, because he had already addressed it.

Varane’s contract expires at the end of the current season and he will become a free agent, with the pick of clubs around the world.

He did not play during Manchester United’s win over Newcastle, but he was at the stadium to experience the atmosphere one final time.

Raphael Varane says goodbye

Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial both made it onto the pitch for the final time after the final whistle to wave goodbye to the crowd.

While Martial’s appearance was more ‘blink and you’ll miss it’, Varane stayed as long as possible.

He was seen by supporters to be he last player to leave the pitch, and he stayed a good 15-20 minutes later too, soaking in the atmosphere.

MUTV’s Sam Homewood explained: “We saw him get his phone out and take selfies with the fans, and just really revelling in the atmosphere.

“You’ve probably noticed as we are talking now, my eyes are going out onto the pitch, because he’s in the centre circle now having some photos taken, so obviously it shows just how much [it means], no one knows this is happening, just us.

“He’s stood there now, stadium is empty, taking it all in, and he’s loving it.”

Varane felt time was right to leave

Raphael Varane has had a tough run with injuries, starting only 16 Premier League games this season.

He felt this was the right time to say goodbye, with Manchester United glad to be free of his expensive salary, despite his quality when available.

Former United academy player Phil Bardsley lauded Varane’s ‘phenomenal career’, but explained that he fully understood the decision.

He said: “It’s difficult, you get to a certain age in your career and the games that you played previously, he’s played a lot of games in his career, creep up on you a lot of it, the pace of the Premier League probably took it’s toll on his body a little bit.

“I’m not saying he couldn’t play on for another year at this level, because he certainly could, but I think he has found it difficult.

“He was outstanding last year, you can pick those little niggles up and it disrupts your momentum of playing regularly.”