Watch: Raphael Varane leaves Everton man red-faced with silky turn
Raphael Varane has markedly improved under Erik ten Hag’s management at Manchester United this season and the defender showcased a more skilful side of his game during Friday’s FA Cup victory over Everton.
Varane, signed for £34 million in August 2021, has been brilliant under Erik ten Hag this season as United have recovered from a terrible start to find themselves in contention for a Champions League return.
The 2018 World Cup winner been likened to a Rolls Royce by United fans due to his defensive capabilities and his technical ability.
And he showed exactly why during the 3-1 win over Everton as he expressed a completely different side to his normal game.
Varane found himself in the corner and under pressure from Idrissa Gueye in the first-half, a position where most centre-backs wouldn’t dare try and take on their opponent.
Clearly, Varane is made of different stuff. He knocked the ball past the Everton man and left him eating dust as the Old Trafford crowd whooped in appreciation.
The 29-year-old has become a stalwart of the United backline and has proven Ole Gunnar Solskjaer right; the former United boss predicted that Varane would make a huge difference to the side.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure one of the best defenders in the world over the last 10 years,” Solskjaer said upon signing Varane in August 2021.
“Raphael is a proven winner who we have tracked over a long period of time and we know just how much of a dedicated professional he is.
“We have great depth of international defenders and he will add his immense skillset and leadership to that group. He is a unique defender with a rare combination of top-level attributes that I know will rub off on our younger players.
“He has won everything there is to win but I know that he is still determined to succeed, I can’t wait to welcome him into the squad.”
Varane I wasn’t familiar with your game… 🔴🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/xdnQ33LdkF
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) January 6, 2023
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