Raphael Varane has backed Erik ten Hag’s decision to strip Harry Maguire of his Manchester United captaincy.
Maguire was relieved of his duties as Manchester United captain last Sunday, and although he said on Twitter: “I will continue to give my best every time I wear the jersey,” it now looks unlikely that he will play another competitive game for the Red Devils.
United know they won’t receive anything like the £80million paid to Leicester for Maguire in 2019, which remains a world record for a centre-back, but around half that sum could see him secure his services, and London trio Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham have all been approached.
Varane and Maguire were often paired in central defense two years ago, but the England defender lost his place to Lisandro Martinez last season, and Varane believes Ten Hag made the right call.
Varane: “Ten Hag wants a team with character”
“He wants a team with character and he is the leader, so he has to show it himself,” said the French World Cup winner at ESPN. “He is not afraid to take decisions and responsibilities. This is what we expect from the manager…”
“We need players with character and personality. If you want to win big trophies, you need this kind of character. The difference between a good team and a top team is sometimes mental. »
