Raphael Varane says he was "surprised" to see Erik ten Hag offered a new contract at Manchester United ahead of this season, claiming the Dutchman's "connection with the group no longer existed".

Ten Hag put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension after guiding United to victory over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

However, he was sacked in October following a poor start to the 2024-25 season, with Ruben Amorim taking over the reins.

Varane, who has since retired after leaving United for Como in the close season, was part of the squad for Ten Hag's two full campaigns with the club.

Although, his relationship with the former Ajax boss was a complicated one - similarly with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho - as he found himself on the bench for long periods of last term.

"We had a robust discussion," Varane told the Athletic. "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.

"He said: 'OK, I hear what you said' and, after that, I didn't play.

"I was surprised he stayed. The connection with the group no longer existed."

Varane was also surprised to see former team-mate Marcus Rashford join Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season, though he believes the move was a "positive" one.

The forward, who has made over 400 appearances for United after coming up through the academy, expressed his desire for "a new challenge", having fallen out of favour under Amorim.

Rashford had scored in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town - Amorim's first match in charge - but did not feature after he was dropped for the Manchester derby in mid-December.

"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 added.

"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."