Raphael Varane has waxed lyrical about three “very strong” players who could stand out above the rest even during the “difficult moments” at Manchester United.
The 31-year-old former Real Madrid star arrived at Old Trafford in 2021 after he was signed from Real Madrid following a prolific spell in the Spanish capital.
Raphael Varane impressed during his time at Real Madrid and hoovered up the silverware, including lifting three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
United splashed out an initial fee of £34m to sign the Frenchman and Varane excelled in his defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the Red Devils.
However, Varane’s spell at Old Trafford was hit with injuries and the former United defender made 95 appearances during his time at the Premier League club.
The French former centre-back played his final match for United in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City, with the Red Devils winning 2-1 at Wembley last May.
Varane singles out three players
Raphael Varane left Manchester United last summer after his contract expired and the former Real Madrid defender inked a deal with Serie A outfit Como.
The 2018 World Cup winner’s spell at Como was cut short after he picked up a knee injury in the first half of the Coppa Italia clash against Sampdoria last August.
Varane then made the decision to announce his retirement from football at the age of 31 in September 2024 after his setback at the Italian club.
Speaking to The Athletic, the former France international recalled his time at Old Trafford and singled out three players that he played alongside.
Varane said that United captain Bruno Fernandes, Red Devils legend David de Gea and Marcus Rashford would do “extraordinary things” during his time at the club.
“Even in difficult moments, they are capable of doing extraordinary things,” he said.
“It’s difficult to perform well individually when the team is struggling. You have to be very very strong.”
Varane on his admiration for Man Utd
Varane lifted both a League Cup and an FA Cup under former United manager Erik ten Hag, who was sacked by the Premier League club last October.
The ex-France international called United an “exceptional, magical and unique” club and spoke about his admiration for Red Devils supporters during his time in England.
“It was a huge source of motivation and we wanted to repay the love they gave us on the pitch,” Varane said.
“We were ready to fight and even in difficult situations, we never gave up.”
Varane added: “I have so much respect and love for the club that I can only be positive.
“Even when I say things that aren’t going well, it’s well-intentioned and constructive. It’s not to point the finger at someone. I only wish the club well and hope they succeed.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/OdxH6W4