What will Raphael Varane bring to Manchester United?

UK Sport | Published: 27 July 2021 | Last Updated: 15 December 2021 | By Newsdesk

France defender Raphael Varane has agreed a move to Manchester United from Real Madrid.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at what qualities the 28-year-old will bring to Old Trafford.

Experience

France v England – International Friendly – Stade de France — Varane has 79 caps for France (Mike Egerton/PA)

Winning mentality

Real Madrid v Manchester City – UEFA Champions League – Round of 16 – First Leg – Santiago Bernabeu — The defender won 18 trophies at Real Madrid (Nick Potts/PA)

Defensive rock

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We have agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of @RaphaelVarane to United! ?⚪️⚫️#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2021

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made strengthening the centre of his side’s defence a priority once an agreement had been struck for England winger Jadon Sancho. The feeling at Old Trafford is that Harry Maguire needs a solid, long-term partner at the back and Varane fits the bill.