Mixed, the Mancunian adventure of Raphaël Varane (30 years old) is enough to leave a strange impression. Arriving in the summer of 2021 from Real Madrid, crowned with four Champions Leagues, the former Lensois had experienced a complicated first season like his team before catching up during the last exercise. For the 2023/2024 season, he has fallen back into his faults like his training. Despite the injury to Lisandro Martínez, unavailable for many weeks, he saw the veteran Johnny Evans (not in the plans at the start of the summer) and the ex-undesirable Harry Maguire (close to a departure for West Ham) double him in the hierarchy.
Used 14 times since the start of the season, Raphaël Varane missed 5 matches between November 26 and December 9 in favor of the duo who already officiated together in 2018 for Leicester. But this week, the Frenchman made up for it. Starting against Bayern Munich (1-0 defeat), he had blocked the Bavarian waves for a long time and if he could not avoid the European fiasco of his team, he had delayed the deadline. Starting again against Liverpool this Sunday, the 2018 world champion held his place and the draw (0-0) against the Reds bears his seal.
A boss match against Liverpool
Winning 100% of his duels and author of 3 interceptions (highest number of the match), he was imperial in the air, winning each time in his area. Inheriting in particular an 8 for The Telegraph he was generally praised by the English press, unlike his team on the offensive level:“United’s team bus suffered minor damage on arrival at Anfield, but the one that an excellent Varane helped park at the pitch escaped without a single dent.” A return to form which was also praised by his coach Erik ten Hag.
After the match, the Dutchman was satisfied with the 30-year-old’s performance: “We know what he is capable of. He has made many such performances. He did very well with Jonny Evans. I can name all the players because it was really a very disciplined team.” A champion response for Raphaël Varane whose contract with Manchester United could end next June since its one-year extension is subject to performance. If he continues on this line, it could completely reverse the situation in this regard. Currently in difficulty, Manchester United can at least be satisfied with the Frenchman’s great reaction.
