Raphael Varane explains why it is 'positive' Marcus Rashford has left Man United – before revealing what surprised him about his Aston Villa move

Raphael Varane admitted he has mixed views on Marcus Rashford’s decision to leave Manchester United and join Aston Villa on loan, revealing the move surprised him.

Rashford will spend the rest of the season at Villa Park after being frozen out by United head coach Ruben Amorim and his long-term future at his boyhood club remains uncertain. An option to turn the deal permanent for £40million was included.

He was dropped for the derby victory over Manchester City in December after Amorim took exception to his application in training, and shortly after an interview was released in which Rashford admitted he was ‘ready for a ‘new challenge’.

Varane, who played alongside Rashford during his three-year spell at United, said the forward was right to seek out a fresh start, but was shocked by how little he travelled.

‘Staying for so many years with this level of intensity and demand, years when the overall atmosphere is often negative because performances are below expectations, it’s very, very difficult,’ Varane told The Athletic.

‘For him to change his environment is positive. He is someone who loves the club and who gives everything for the shirt. But I’m surprised he’s going (to a club) so close to Manchester. I imagined him going further than a few kilometres away.’

Rashford joined Aston Villa until the end of the season, with a permanent option included

The forward was dropped by Ruben Amorim, who took exception to his efforts in training

Varane also revealed he was most impressed with Bruno Fernandes, David de Gea and Rashford while at United, praising their individual quality.

‘Even in difficult moments, they are capable of doing extraordinary things,’ he added. ‘It’s difficult to perform well individually when the team is struggling. 

‘You have to be very very strong.’

Varane walked away from United on a high at the end of last season, having won the FA Cup in his final match at the club. However, his spell was marred by extended absences from the side and a heated falling out with former boss Erik ten Hag.

‘We had a robust discussion,’ said Varane. ‘We told each other some truths, but then I didn’t play for almost two months. 

‘I said I didn’t agree with certain ways of doing things regarding the relationship between him and the team. It wasn’t something that I thought was good for the team because some of the players weren’t at all satisfied. 

‘It was not good in terms of the relationship with the coach.’

Varane was forced into an early retirement at the age of 31 after suffering a serious knee injury on his debut for Serie A club Como.

Rashford admitted he was ready for a ‘new challenge’ in a bombshell interview in December

Varane was forced into retirement after suffering a serious knee injury on his Como debut

‘They told me not to react impulsively but, deep down, I knew,’ he said. 

‘I thought, “It’s fed up and tired”.’

The veteran had signed an initial two-year contract after his United deal ran down.